John du Plessis, 7th Earl of Warwick facts for kids

John du Plessis, also known as Plessetis, was an important nobleman from a Norman family who lived in England during the time of King Henry III of England. He became the Earl of Warwick and was a loyal helper to the King. He passed away on 26 February 1263.

A Nobleman's Journey: John du Plessis's Life

John du Plessis likely came from a Norman family, meaning his ancestors were from Normandy, a region in France. His father was probably Hugh de Plessis, who worked for the King between 1222 and 1227.

Early Career and Royal Service

John du Plessis is first mentioned in official records in 1227. At that time, he was one of four knights who received money for their support. He served in Wales in 1231, helping the King there.

In 1232, he witnessed an important royal document for Stephen de Segrave. Two years later, in 1234, he was given an important job: he became the warden of Devizes Castle and also of Chippenham Forest. From 1239 to 1240, he served as the sheriff of Oxfordshire, which meant he was in charge of law and order in that area.

Becoming the Earl of Warwick

In 1242, John du Plessis traveled with King Henry III to Poitou, a region in France. While there, he received gifts from the King, including a valuable warhorse. The King also helped him arrange his marriage to Margaret de Neubourg, countess of Warwick. Margaret was the widow of a nobleman named John Marshal.

After marrying Margaret, John du Plessis returned to England with the King in 1243. Thanks to the King's help, his marriage to Margaret was successful. He eventually became the Earl of Warwick. He didn't use the title right away, waiting until it was agreed that he could hold it for his entire life. This agreement was made with William Mauduit, who was the next person in line to inherit the title. John du Plessis was first officially called "Earl" in April 1245. In 1250, he was granted the right to keep his wife's lands for the rest of his life.

Important Roles and Challenges

John du Plessis held many important positions. In 1244, he was made the constable of the Tower of London, a very significant fortress. He also served as a judge in London in 1251.

In 1252, he made a special promise to join a crusade, which was a religious military expedition. The next year, in 1253, he was one of the witnesses when a strong warning was issued against those who broke important agreements called charters.

Adventures in Gascony

Sadly, his wife Margaret died in June 1253. Her estates then went to William Maudit, who became the 8th Earl of Warwick.

In August 1253, John du Plessis went with King Henry III again, this time to Gascony, another region in France. He served the King there until August 1254. During this time, he was involved in talks with a local leader named Gaston de Bearn and received money for his work.

In September 1254, while returning home through Poitou with other noblemen, John du Plessis and his companions were unfairly captured by the people of Pons. One of his companions, Gilbert de Segrave, died while imprisoned. John du Plessis was finally released the following year.

Later Years and Influence

In 1258, John du Plessis was part of a group that heard complaints against the mayor of London. He was also a key figure at the Parliament of Oxford in June 1258. He was one of the King's representatives on an important committee and helped choose members for the King's council. The barons, who were powerful noblemen, also appointed him as warden of Devizes Castle.

In 1259, he was chosen to be part of the council that would act on behalf of the King when the King was out of England. He also served as a commissioner, helping to investigate legal cases in several counties.

In July 1261, when King Henry III changed the sheriffs appointed by the barons, John du Plessis was put in charge of Leicestershire. He was also made warden of Devizes Castle again, holding that position until June 1262.

John du Plessis passed away on 26 February 1263. He was buried at Missenden Abbey in Buckinghamshire.

Coat of Arms

John du Plessis had his own special coat of arms. It showed six red rings, called annulets, on a silver background.

Family Life

John du Plessis was married twice. His first wife was Christiana, who died before 1242. She was the daughter and heiress of Hugh de Sanford. John and Christiana had three children:

• Hugh (1237-1291): He was a knight and married Isabella, who was one of his father's wards (someone under his care). Isabella was also the elder daughter and co-heiress of John de Biset. Hugh and Isabella had two sons:

* Hugh (1266-1301): He was called to Parliament in 1299. He had a son named Hugh, who died without any male children. * John of Quainton: In 1270, he married Annabel, the eldest daughter of Nicholas Segrave, 1st Baron Segrave. They had many descendants, and some of their male descendants continued to use the du Plessis surname.

• Robert: He married Ela, who was also one of his father's wards and the younger daughter and co-heiress of John Bisset. Robert and Ela also had many descendants, and some of their male descendants continued to use the du Plessis surname.
• Christiana: In 1270, she married John Segrave (1256-1325). He later became the 2nd Baron Segrave, following his father Nicholas. Christiana and John had many descendants, including important families like the Mowbray and Howard Dukes of Norfolk, and even Queens Elizabeth I of England and Elizabeth II.
• Beatrice

John du Plessis's second wife did not have any children. After his death, his wife's nephew, William Mauduit, became the Earl of Warwick.

There was another family named Plessis or de Plessetis living in Northumberland. An Alan de Plessis and a John de Plessis from this family were involved in a forest dispute in 1241. This John de Plessis was an important person in Northumberland and was likely the warden of Northumberland in 1258, though some old records mistakenly said it was the Earl of Warwick.

Surname History

The surname du Plessis had different spellings in England over time. Some of these included de Plescy, de Plessis, and the Latin forms de Plessitis and de Placetis. John du Plessis's descendants often used the Latin form but dropped the "de" part. Over many centuries, the surname changed even more into spellings like Pleisted, Plaisted, Playsteed, Pleastid, and Plestead.