Michael de la Pole, 1st Earl of Suffolk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Michael de la Pole
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The de la Pole family crest
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| Born | c. 1330 |
| Died | 5 September 1389 (aged 58–59) |
| Occupation | Lord Chancellor |
| Spouse(s) | Catherine Wingfield |
| Children | Michael de la Pole, 2nd Earl of Suffolk |
| Parent(s) | William de la Pole Catherine Norwich |
Michael de la Pole, 1st Earl of Suffolk, was an important English leader who lived from about 1330 to 1389. He was a successful financier (someone who manages large amounts of money) and served as the Lord Chancellor of England. This was a very powerful job, like being the king's main advisor and head of the government. Michael de la Pole was from Wingfield Castle in Suffolk.
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Who Was Michael de la Pole?
Michael de la Pole was the oldest son of Sir William de la Pole. His father was a wealthy wool merchant and a top financial advisor to King Edward III. William de la Pole became very important after other big banking families faced problems. Michael followed in his father's footsteps, becoming even more popular in the royal court.
His Rise to Power
Michael de la Pole became one of the closest friends and most trusted advisors to King Richard II. In 1383, he was chosen to be the Chancellor. This role made him the king's chief minister and the most powerful person in the government after the king.
Just two years later, in 1385, King Richard II gave him the special title of Earl of Suffolk. This was a very high honor, and Michael was the first person in his family to become an Earl.
Challenges and Exile
However, Michael de la Pole's good fortune changed in the late 1380s. There were growing disagreements between the English Parliament and King Richard II. During a special meeting of Parliament in 1386, Michael de la Pole was accused of misusing money and not doing his job properly. This led to him being removed from his position as Chancellor. He was the first government official in England to be removed this way.
Even after this, he remained close to King Richard II. But soon, a group of powerful nobles called the Lords Appellant accused him and other friends of the king of serious disloyalty in 1387.
Before a new Parliament meeting in 1388, Michael de la Pole wisely left England and went to Paris, France. This helped him avoid a worse fate that some of the king's other friends faced. He stayed in France for the rest of his life. Because he was not there to defend himself, his title and lands were taken away from him.
Family Life
Michael de la Pole married Katherine Wingfield. She was the daughter of Sir John de Wingfield, who was an important administrator for Edward, the Black Prince (King Richard II's father). Michael and Katherine had eight children together:
- Michael de la Pole, 2nd Earl of Suffolk (1361–1415): He supported King Henry IV and opposed King Richard II. He got his father's title back when Henry became king in 1399.
- Thomas de la Pole (1363–1415)
- William de la Pole (born 1365)
- Richard de la Pole (c. 1367–1402)
- John de la Pole (c. 1369–1415)
- Anne de la Pole (born c. 1373): Her daughter, Margaret Thorley, married Reginald West, 6th Baron De La Warr. This means Michael de la Pole is an ancestor of later important figures like Thomas West, 8th Baron De La Warr.
- Elizabeth de la Pole (born c. 1377)
- Margaret de la Pole (born c. 1386)
Images for kids
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Arms of Wingfield: Argent, on a bend gules three wings conjoined in lure of the field, quartered by Michael de la Pole, 1st Earl of Suffolk
See also
