Michael de la Pole, 2nd Earl of Suffolk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Michael de la Pole |
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| Earl of Suffolk | |
The coat of arms for the De la Pole family.
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| Earl of Suffolk | |
| Born | 1367 |
| Died | 14 September 1415 (aged 47–48) Harfleur, Kingdom of France |
| Spouse | Katherine de Stafford |
| Issue | Michael de la Pole, 3rd Earl of Suffolk William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk Sir Alexander de la Pole Sir John de la Pole Sir Thomas de la Pole Katherine de la Pole Isabel de la Pole Elizabeth de la Pole |
| Family | de la Pole |
| Father | Michael de la Pole, 1st Earl of Suffolk |
| Mother | Katherine Wingfield |
Michael de la Pole, 2nd Earl of Suffolk (born 1367 – died 17 September 1415) was an important English nobleman. He supported Henry IV (who ruled from 1399 to 1413) during the difficult times at the end of the 1300s. He died in 1415 during the Siege of Harfleur in France. Michael was the oldest son of Michael de la Pole, 1st Earl of Suffolk and Katherine Wingfield.
Contents
Becoming Earl of Suffolk
Michael's father had to leave England in 1388. He was accused of serious wrongdoings. Because of this, he lost his title as Earl of Suffolk and all the family's lands.
Getting the Lands Back
After his father passed away, young Michael worked very hard to get his family's lands back. Between 1389 and 1392, he managed to get most of them.
Facing Challenges from the King
However, Michael was good friends with some powerful nobles. These friends were not liked by King Richard II. This made King Richard II dislike Michael too. Finally, in January 1398, Michael was given back his title as Earl of Suffolk.
Supporting a New King
In 1399, Michael was called to help defend England. This was when Henry Bolingbroke was trying to take the throne.
A New King Takes Over
Michael did not try to stop Henry Bolingbroke. He also agreed when King Richard II was removed from power. When Henry IV became king, he quickly gave Michael back all his family's lands and his title. This was because Michael had supported him. Michael spent the rest of his life trying to get back the few remaining family lands that had not been returned.
Michael's Life and Work
Michael de la Pole did not play a huge role in the main politics of England. But he did attend Parliament regularly.
Military and Diplomatic Roles
He joined a military campaign in Scotland in 1400. He also took part in naval operations around 1405. In 1409, he was the main English diplomat at an important meeting called the Council of Pisa. Michael also served as a leader for the Duke of Clarence during a military campaign in 1412–1413.
Building Influence in East Anglia
Most of Michael's energy went into making his family powerful again in the area called East Anglia. From 1399, he worked as a justice of the peace in Norfolk and Suffolk. This meant he helped keep law and order. He also gathered many local important people to support him. Michael finished the building projects his father had started at Wingfield, Suffolk. He also made the local church bigger.
Final Campaign and Death
In 1415, Michael joined King Henry V on a military campaign in France. This was part of the Hundred Years' War. He brought 40 knights and 120 archers with him.
The Siege of Harfleur
Michael died from a disease called dysentery at Harfleur in France. His oldest son, also named Michael, became the 3rd Earl of Suffolk. Sadly, his son also died later at the famous Battle of Agincourt.
Family and Children
Michael married Katherine de Stafford. She was the daughter of Hugh de Stafford, 2nd Earl of Stafford. They had at least eight children together.
- Michael de la Pole (1394-1415): He became the 3rd Earl of Suffolk.
- William de la Pole (1396-1450): He became the 1st Duke of Suffolk.
- Sir Alexander de la Pole (died 1429): He was killed in battle at Battle of Jargeau.
- Sir John de la Pole (died 1429): He died while being held prisoner in France.
- Sir Thomas de la Pole (after 1397–1433): He died in France while held as a hostage for his brother William. He had one daughter:
- Katherine de la Pole (1416–1488): She was the second wife of Sir Miles Stapleton.
- Katherine de la Pole (1410-1473): She became the head nun (Abbess) at Barking Abbey.
- Isabel de la Pole (died 1466): She married Thomas de Morley, 5th Baron Morley.
- Elizabeth de la Pole: She married Edward Burnell, and later Sir Thomas Kerdeston.
