Thomas de Mowbray, 4th Earl of Norfolk facts for kids
Thomas de Mowbray was an English nobleman who lived a short but eventful life. He was born on September 17, 1385, and passed away on June 8, 1405. Thomas was the son of Thomas de Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk, and Lady Elizabeth FitzAlan.
Becoming an Earl
When Thomas's father died in Venice, young Thomas inherited some important titles. He became the Earl of Norfolk and the Earl of Nottingham. However, he did not become a Duke like his father.
He also received the title of Earl Marshal. This was an important role, but for Thomas, it was mostly an honorary title. This means it was a title of respect, but he didn't hold the actual military power. The real military leader at the time was Ralph Neville, 1st Earl of Westmorland.
Thomas was also engaged to a young girl named Constance Holland. She was the daughter of John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter. However, they were both children, and the marriage never officially happened.
A Young Rebel
As a young man, Thomas de Mowbray became involved in a rebellion. This was a time when some powerful families, like the Percies, were challenging the king. Thomas joined forces with Richard le Scrope, who was the Archbishop of York. Together, they gathered an army in the north of England.
However, things did not go well for them. The Earl of Northumberland, who was supposed to help them, left them. Thomas and Archbishop Scrope were then met by a large royal army. This army was led by John of Lancaster and the Earl of Westmorland.
Capture and Execution
Thomas and Scrope tried to talk things over with the royal army. But as soon as they sent their followers away, they were arrested. King Henry IV ordered their immediate execution.
The Chief Justice, Sir William Gascoigne, refused to sentence them without a proper trial. But King Henry IV ignored this. Both Thomas de Mowbray and Archbishop Scrope were quickly beheaded in York on June 8, 1405.
This event is a famous part of English history. It is even mentioned in Shakespeare's play, Henry IV, Part 2. The play describes the execution with the words, "Some guard these traitors to the block of death, / Treason's true bed and yielder up of breath."
After His Death
After Thomas de Mowbray's death, his younger brother, John de Mowbray, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, inherited his titles.
Thomas was buried in a church in York called the Church of the Greyfriars. For a while, his head was displayed in public. But later, it was taken down and buried with his body. There's a legend that his head looked as fresh as if he were still alive.
