John fitz Richard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John fitz Richard
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Arms of John fitz Richard: Quarterly or and gules overall bend sable a label of five points argent for difference
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| Died | 11 October 1190 |
| Spouse(s) | Alice de Essex |
| Parents | Richard fitz Eustace Albreda de Lisours |
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John fitz Richard (died 11 October 1190) was an important Anglo-Norman soldier and leader. He held the title of Baron of Halton and was the hereditary Constable of Chester. This meant he was a chief official in the region. People often called him "John, Constable of Chester." He passed away in Acre, a city in the Holy Land, during a major historical event.
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Who Was John fitz Richard?
John fitz Richard was the oldest son of Richard fitz Eustace. His father was also the hereditary Constable of Chester before him. John's mother was Albreda de Lisours. Her family, the de Lacys, were also very important landowners.
John had two younger brothers. One, Roger fitz Richard, became the Lord of Warkworth Castle. Another brother, Robert fitz Richard, was a leader for the Knights Hospitaller in England. The Knights Hospitaller were a famous group of knights who helped pilgrims and fought in the Crusades.
John's Important Career
When his father died in 1163, John took over his important roles. He became the Baron of Halton and the Constable of Chester. This made him a top official for Hugh de Kevelioc, 5th Earl of Chester. Later, he served the next Earl, Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester.
In 1166, John paid a large sum of money to gain control of his mother's family lands. These lands had belonged to the de Lacy family.
Building and Giving Back
John also founded Stanlow Abbey in Cheshire. This was a monastery for Cistercian monks. He also started a hospital in Castle Donington. Earl Hugh, the Earl of Chester, gave John more land. John then gave some of this land to Stanlow Abbey.
Loyalty to the King
John fitz Richard was a very loyal supporter of King Henry II. This was especially true during a rebellion against the king in 1173.
In 1181, John was sent to Ireland with another important person, Richard Peche, the Bishop of Coventry. Their job was to take control of Dublin. They also helped build many castles in Leinster.
Joining the Crusade
On September 3, 1189, John was part of the coronation of King Richard I. This was a very important event.
In March 1190, John left England to join the Third Crusade. This was a major military journey to the Holy Land. He died there during the Siege of Acre. This was a long and difficult battle.
John's Family
John fitz Richard married Alice of Essex. They had several children together:
- Roger de Lacy (1170–1211): He was John's oldest son and heir. When he was younger, people called him "Roger fitz John." Later, he inherited the important lands of Pontefract from his grandmother. After this, he changed his last name to "de Lacy." He married Maud de Clere and had his own children.
- Richard of Chester: He was buried at Norton Priory.
- Geoffrey fitz John
- Robert of Flamborough
- Eustace of Chester
