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John Clifford
Coat of Arms of Sir John Clifford, 7th Baron de Clifford, KG.png
John Clifford, 7th Baron de Clifford
Born c. 1389
Appleby Castle, Westmorland, England.
Died 13 March 1422 (Killed at the Siege of Meaux)
Meaux, Seine-et-Marne, France.
Title Baron de Clifford
Tenure 18 August 1391 – 13 March 1422
Other titles 7th Lord of Skipton
Nationality English
Residence Appleby Castle
Brougham Castle
Skipton Castle
Spouse(s) Elizabeth Percy
Issue Thomas Clifford, 8th Baron de Clifford
Henry Clifford
Mary Clifford, Lady Wentworth
Blanche Clifford, Lady Waterton
Parents Thomas Clifford, 6th Baron Clifford
Elizabeth de Roos

John Clifford, 7th Baron de Clifford (born around 1389 – died March 13, 1422) was an important English nobleman. He was also known as the 7th Lord of Skipton. John Clifford was a Knight of the Garter, a special honor given by the King. He sadly died while fighting in France during the Siege of Meaux.

Early Life and Family

John Clifford was born around 1389. He was the only son of Thomas Clifford, 6th Baron Clifford and Elizabeth de Roos. His mother, Elizabeth, was the daughter of another important nobleman, Thomas de Roos.

John also had a sister named Maud Clifford. She married two times. Her first husband was John Neville, 6th Baron Latimer. Later, she married Richard of Conisburgh, 3rd Earl of Cambridge.

Becoming a Nobleman

When John's father passed away on August 18, 1391, John was only about three years old. Even at such a young age, he inherited his father's important title, becoming the 7th Baron de Clifford. He also became the hereditary High Sheriff of Westmorland. This meant he was a chief officer in charge of law and order in the area.

As he grew older, John was called to Parliament many times. This happened between September 1411 and February 1421. Being "summoned to Parliament" meant he was asked to join other important people to help make decisions for the country.

Military Adventures

John Clifford was a brave knight and took part in many exciting events. He participated in a big tournament in Carlisle. In this tournament, six English knights competed against six Scottish knights.

He also fought in the war in France. He was part of the Siege of Harfleur, where English forces surrounded a city to capture it. He also fought in the famous Battle of Agincourt. At Agincourt, he served King Henry V with three archers. Later, he accepted the surrender of the city of Cherbourg.

For his bravery and service, John Clifford was made a Knight of the Garter on May 3, 1421. This is one of the highest honors a knight can receive in England. He was also mentioned in the will of his cousin, King Henry V, showing their close connection.

Death and Burial

John Clifford was killed during the Siege of Meaux on March 13, 1422. This was another battle in France. He is believed to be buried at Bolton Priory in England.

His wife, Elizabeth, passed away later, on October 26, 1436. She is buried at Staindrop, in Durham.

Marriage and Children

John Clifford married Elizabeth Percy. Elizabeth was the daughter of the famous knight Sir Henry "Hotspur" Percy and Lady Elizabeth Mortimer.

John and Elizabeth had several children:

Lady Elizabeth Percy's Life

John Clifford's wife, Elizabeth Percy, had a very interesting family background. Her father was the famous knight Sir Henry Percy, known as "Hotspur." Her mother was Lady Elizabeth Mortimer.

Elizabeth Mortimer's mother was Philippa Plantagenet, 5th Countess of Ulster. Philippa was the daughter of Lionel of Antwerp, who was a son of King Edward III. This means Elizabeth Percy was related to the royal family!

After John Clifford died, Elizabeth remarried in 1426. Her second husband was Ralph Neville, 2nd Earl of Westmorland. Ralph and Elizabeth had a son named Sir John Neville. He married Lady Anne Holland.

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