John Wenlock, 1st Baron Wenlock facts for kids
John Wenlock, 1st Baron Wenlock was an important English figure who lived from about 1400 to 1471. He was a politician (someone involved in government), a diplomat (someone who represents their country to other countries), a soldier, and a courtier (someone who attends a royal court).
He is well-known for fighting on both sides during the Wars of the Roses, a series of wars fought in England. Some people called him "the prince of turncoats" because he changed sides often. However, historians say that many people did this during those confusing times.
Even though he fought in six major battles and two sieges, most of his work was in diplomacy. People at the time thought he was very clever.
Early Life and Career
John Wenlock was the son of William Wenlock, who was a knight representing Bedfordshire in Parliament. His mother, Margaret Breton, owned land in Houghton Conquest.
John Wenlock joined the English army that invaded France with Henry V of England. In 1421, he was given land in Normandy, France. By 1422, he was in charge of Vernon, a town in Normandy.
He was elected to Parliament several times for Bedfordshire. In 1455, he became the Speaker of the House, which meant he led the meetings of Parliament. He also worked for Margaret of Anjou, the Queen, as her chamberlain (a high-ranking official). In this role, he helped start the building of Queens' College, Cambridge, in 1448.
John Wenlock also served as the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire in 1444. His main home was Someries Castle in Luton. He was knighted in 1449. He also went on many important trips as a diplomat for England. It was during one of these trips that he met the Duke of York and the Earl of Warwick, who became his allies.
Fighting in the Wars of the Roses
The Wars of the Roses were a series of civil wars in England between two royal families: the House of York (who used a white rose as their symbol) and the House of Lancaster (who used a red rose).
John Wenlock first fought for the House of Lancaster at the First Battle of St Albans in 1455. But because of his friendship with the Earl of Warwick, he soon switched to the Yorkist side. He then served as the Speaker for the Yorkists.
He fought for the Yorkists in many important battles, including the Battle of Blore Heath (1459), the Battle of Mortimer's Cross, the Second Battle of St Albans, and the Battle of Towton (all in the early 1460s).
After successfully attacking the Tower of London for Edward of York, he entered London with Edward in 1461. A few days later, he was made a Knight of the Garter, which is a very special honour. He was also given the title of Baron Wenlock. In 1464, he helped capture Dunstanburgh Castle.
John Wenlock continued to go on diplomatic missions for King Edward IV. He was also in charge of Calais, a city in France that belonged to England.
When his friend Warwick switched back to the Lancastrian side, Wenlock didn't immediately follow. But his loyalty was still with Warwick. By 1471, he had switched sides again, joining Margaret of Anjou and the Lancastrians.
Death
John Wenlock fought in the Battle of Tewkesbury on May 4, 1471. He was in command of the middle part of the Lancastrian army. However, the Lancastrians lost badly, and Wenlock died on the battlefield.
There is a story that he was killed by his own commander, the Duke of Somerset. The Duke was supposedly angry because he thought Wenlock didn't support him enough during the battle. However, this story is probably just a legend and not true, as it doesn't appear in any records from that time.
Some historians think that Wenlock might have held back because the Duke of Somerset made a mistake in his plan. Others suggest that the Yorkist archers made it impossible for Wenlock's men to move forward.
Family
John Wenlock was married twice. His first wife, Elizabeth Drayton, died in the early 1460s after they had been married for over 30 years.
In 1467, he married Agnes Fray. Both John and Agnes were in their 60s when they married. Agnes had been married before, and after John's death, she married a fourth time.
John Wenlock did not have any children. Because of this, his title of Baron Wenlock ended when he died.
See also
- Someries castle
- Wenlock Jug
