List of earls in the reign of Henry IV of England facts for kids

When Henry IV of England was king, from 1399 to 1413, many important people held special titles. One of the most important titles was "Earl." An Earl was a powerful noble, often a close advisor or a military leader, who managed a large area of land for the king. This list shows the Earls who held their titles during King Henry IV's reign. The dates next to each name show how long they were an Earl.

Important Earls During King Henry IV's Reign

What Was an Earl?

An Earl was a very important person in medieval England. It was a high rank, just below a Duke or Marquess. Earls were usually wealthy landowners who had a lot of power and influence. They often advised the king, led armies, and helped govern different parts of the country. The title of Earl was usually passed down through families, often from father to son.

King Henry IV's Time (1399-1413)

Henry IV of England became king in 1399. His time as king was an important period in English history. During his reign, many powerful nobles, including these Earls, played key roles in politics and society. They helped shape the kingdom and supported the king, or sometimes challenged him.

The Earls of Henry IV's Reign

Here are some of the important Earls who held their titles while Henry IV was king:

Earl of Arundel

• Thomas Fitzalan, 12th Earl of Arundel, also the 10th Earl of Surrey (1399–1415)

Earl of Devon

• Edward de Courtenay, 3rd Earl of Devon (1377–1419)

Earl of Dorset

• Thomas Beaufort, Duke of Exeter, Earl of Dorset (1411–1426)

Earl of Huntingdon

• John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter, 1st Earl of Huntingdon (1388–1400)

Earl of Kent

• Thomas Holland, 1st Duke of Surrey, 3rd Earl of Kent (1397–1400)
• Edmund Holland, 4th Earl of Kent (1400–1408)

Earl of March

• Edmund Mortimer, 5th Earl of March (1398–1425)

Earl of Norfolk

• Thomas de Mowbray, 4th Earl of Norfolk, 2nd Earl of Nottingham (1399–1405)
• John Mowbray, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, 5th Earl of Norfolk, 3rd Earl of Nottingham (1405–1432)

Earl of Nottingham

• Thomas de Mowbray, 4th Earl of Norfolk, 2nd Earl of Nottingham (1399–1405)
• John Mowbray, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, 5th Earl of Norfolk, 3rd Earl of Nottingham (1405–1432)

Earl of Oxford

• Aubrey de Vere, 10th Earl of Oxford (1393–1400)
• Richard de Vere, 11th Earl of Oxford (1400–1417)

Earl of Richmond

• Arthur III, Duke of Brittany, Earl of Richmond (1393–1425)

Earl of Salisbury

• John Montagu, 3rd Earl of Salisbury (1397–1400)
• Thomas Montagu, 4th Earl of Salisbury (1400–1428)

Earl of Somerset

• John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset (1397–1410)
• Henry Beaufort, 2nd Earl of Somerset (1410–1418)

Earl of Stafford

• Edmund Stafford, 5th Earl of Stafford (1395–1403)
• Humphrey Stafford, 1st Duke of Buckingham, 6th Earl of Stafford (1403–1460)

Earl of Suffolk

• Michael de la Pole, 2nd Earl of Suffolk (1398–1399) (1399–1415)

Earl of Surrey

• Thomas Fitzalan, 12th Earl of Arundel, 10th Earl of Surrey (1400–1415)

Earl of Warwick

• Thomas Beauchamp, 12th Earl of Warwick (1369–1401)
• Richard Beauchamp, 13th Earl of Warwick (1401–1439)

Earl of Westmorland

• Ralph Neville, 1st Earl of Westmorland (1397–1425)

Sources

Ellis, Geoffrey. (1963) Earldoms in Fee: A Study in Peerage Law and History. London: The Saint Catherine Press, Limited.