Thomas Fitzalan, 10th Earl of Arundel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thomas FitzAlan |
|
|---|---|
| Earl of Arundel Baron Maltravers |
|
 |
|
| Arms of Sir Thomas Fitzalan, 10th Earl of Arundel, KG: FitzAlan quartering Maltravers, with a label of three points argent for the difference of an eldest son. |
|
| Spouse(s) | Margaret Woodville |
| Issue | |
| William Fitzalan, 11th Earl of Arundel Edward Fitzalan Margaret de la Pole, Countess of Lincoln Joan Fitzalan |
|
| Father | William Fitzalan, 9th Earl of Arundel |
| Mother | Joan Neville |
| Born | 1450 |
| Died | 25 October 1524
(aged 73/74) |
| Burial | Arundel, Sussex |
Thomas Fitzalan (1450–1524) was an important English nobleman. He was known as the 10th Earl of Arundel and the 7th Baron Maltravers. An Earl was a high-ranking noble, and a Baron was also a noble title. Thomas was the son of William Fitzalan, 9th Earl of Arundel, and Joan Neville. His mother was the daughter of Richard Neville, 5th Earl of Salisbury. This made him the nephew of a very famous person called Warwick, the Kingmaker.
Life as a Nobleman
Thomas Fitzalan had an active life in English society. He became a Knight of the Bath in 1461. This was a special honor given at the coronation of King Edward IV. Later, in 1474, he was chosen to join the Order of the Garter. This is one of the oldest and most important groups of knights in England.
Important Events and Roles
As Lord Maltravers, Thomas was present at the coronation of King Richard III in 1483. He also served in Parliament in 1471. In 1486, he became the godfather to Arthur, Prince of Wales, who was the eldest son of King Henry VII. A godfather is like a special protector or guide.
In 1487, Thomas had a role in the coronation of Elizabeth of York. He carried the Rod and Dove, which were symbols of royal power. When his father passed away in 1488, Thomas became the Earl of Arundel.
He was chosen twice to be the Lieutenant of the Order of the Garter. This shows how respected he was among the knights. In 1489, he also became the Warden of the New Forest. This meant he was in charge of protecting this large forest area.
One famous event Thomas attended was the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520. This was a grand meeting between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France. All the Garter Knights were there.
Later Life and Death
Thomas Fitzalan passed away on October 25, 1524, at Downly Park in Singleton. He was 74 years old. He was buried next to his wife in the church at Arundel.
Family Life
Thomas Fitzalan married Margaret Woodville. She was the seventh daughter of Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers. Margaret was also the younger sister of Elizabeth Woodville, who was the wife of King Edward IV. Thomas and Margaret were married before February 17, 1466. Margaret passed away before August 4, 1492.
They had two sons and two daughters:
- William Fitzalan, 11th Earl of Arundel: He became the next Earl of Arundel.
- Edward Fitzalan
- Margaret Fitzalan: She married John de la Pole, 1st Earl of Lincoln.
- Joan Fitzalan: She passed away on November 14, 1508. She married George Neville, 5th Baron Bergavenny. Some records say they had no children, while others say they had two daughters named Elizabeth and Jane.
