Thomas Fitzalan, 5th Earl of Arundel facts for kids

Arms of Sir Richard Fitzalan, 4th Earl of Arundel, KG

Thomas Fitzalan, 5th Earl of Arundel, 10th Earl of Surrey was an important English nobleman. He lived from October 13, 1381, to October 13, 1415. Thomas helped remove King Richard II from power. He was also a key person during the time King Henry IV ruled England.

Early Life and Family

Thomas Fitzalan was the only son of Richard Fitzalan. His mother was Elizabeth de Bohun. When Thomas was 16, his father was executed in 1397. All of his family's lands and titles were taken away.

Young Thomas became a ward of King Richard's half-brother, John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter. This meant Holland was in charge of Thomas and much of his family's property.

Escape and Return to England

Thomas Fitzalan eventually escaped from his guardian. He joined his uncle, Thomas Arundel, who was the former Archbishop of Canterbury. Both of them were living in exile, meaning they had to leave England.

They later met Henry Bolingbroke, who was the King's cousin and also in exile. Thomas Fitzalan returned to England with Henry in July 1399. This led to King Richard II being removed from power. Henry Bolingbroke then became King Henry IV.

Thomas played a role in the new King's coronation. Soon after, King Henry IV gave Thomas back his family's titles and lands. These included the important titles of Earl of Arundel and Earl of Surrey. He also got back large estates in the Welsh Marches, which are areas near the border of Wales.

Dealing with Rebellions

The Epiphany Rising

Early in the next year, some noblemen who were close to the old King Richard II started a revolt. This event is known as the Epiphany Rising. Thomas Fitzalan's former guardian, John Holland, was part of this rebellion.

Holland was captured by people loyal to Thomas's aunt, Joan, Countess of Hereford. At Thomas's request, Holland was executed soon after.

Fighting in Wales

For the next few years, Thomas Fitzalan was very busy in the Welsh Marches. He had to help deal with the revolt led by Owain Glyndŵr. This rebellion lasted for many years, starting around 1400.

After the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403, Thomas was put in charge of defending the Welsh border. He focused on defeating Glyndŵr in the northern part of Wales.

Revolt in Northern England

In 1405, another revolt happened in the north of England. It was led by Richard le Scrope, who was the Archbishop of York, and Thomas de Mowbray, 4th Earl of Norfolk. Thomas Fitzalan was the head of the group that sentenced them to death.

This decision caused a disagreement between Thomas and his uncle, Archbishop Thomas Arundel. His uncle did not agree with executing another church leader.

Marriage and Alliances

King Henry IV's sister, Philippa of Lancaster, had married King John I of Portugal. To make the alliance between England and Portugal even stronger, Thomas Fitzalan married Beatrice. She was the illegitimate daughter of King John of Portugal.

Their wedding took place in London on November 26, 1405. King Henry IV himself attended the ceremony.

In later years, Thomas again helped put down revolts in Wales and the Welsh Marches. He became a close ally of the King's half-brothers, the Beauforts. When Thomas Beaufort, Duke of Exeter, became Chancellor in 1410, Thomas Fitzalan became one of the King's main advisors.

Beaufort wanted an alliance with Burgundy. Thomas Fitzalan was one of the leaders sent to help fight the rival Armagnac group in France. Around this time, Thomas was made a Knight of the Garter, which is a very high honor.

Loyalty to King Henry V

Thomas Fitzalan was a very close friend of the new king, Henry V. He showed great loyalty to the royal family. King Henry V immediately gave Thomas an important role. He appointed him Lord Treasurer, which meant he was in charge of the King's money.

Thomas also became the constable of Dover Castle and Warden of the Cinque Ports. This meant he was in charge of defending important coastal towns. On March 19, 1415, Thomas was ordered to gather sailors for upcoming naval operations. He needed to get 57 ships from the Cinque Ports ready in 40 days.

On St. George's Day, Thomas was again made a Knight of the Garter. He was one of 16 knights preparing for war that summer. The King rewarded his friend with extra money for his service. Thomas's experience with large groups of archers was very important to Henry's battle plans.

The French Campaign

Thomas Fitzalan was one of the first commanders for Henry V's 1415 campaign in France. He sailed with at least 100 men-at-arms and 300 archers. During the siege of Harfleur, some of his men died. Many others became sick and were sent home.

Thomas himself became sick and had to return to England on October 10, 1415. He was cared for by a loyal friend's wife, Elizabeth Ryman. In his will, made on October 10, he asked to be buried in the church of the Holy Trinity in Arundel. He also wanted a statue to be put over his father's grave.

Thomas had promised to pray to St. John of Bridlington when he was younger. He also wanted a chapel built at Mary Gate, Arundel, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. He made sure that all the money owed to his soldiers would be paid by his family.

Succession

Thomas Fitzalan did not have any children. His cousin, John Fitzalan, 6th Earl of Arundel, inherited Arundel Castle and its lands. The title of Earl of Surrey either stopped being used or was passed on in a different way. The rest of Thomas's property was divided among his three surviving sisters.

See also

• List of Lord High Treasurers of England and Great Britain