William Fitzalan, 9th Earl of Arundel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Fitzalan
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| Born | 23 November 1417 |
| Died | 1487 (aged 69–70) |
| Spouse(s) | Joan Neville |
| Children | 5, including Thomas, 10th Earl of Arundel |
| Parent(s) | John, 6th Earl of Arundel Eleanor Berkeley |
| Relatives | John, 7th Earl of Arundel (brother) Humphrey, 8th Earl (nephew) |
William Fitzalan, who lived from 1417 to 1487, was an important English nobleman. He held the titles of the 9th Earl of Arundel and the 6th Baron Maltravers. He played a part in the history of England during a time of great change.
William was born on November 23, 1417. His father was John Fitzalan, 6th Earl of Arundel, and his mother was Eleanor Berkeley.
William became the Earl of Arundel after some unexpected events. His older brother, John Fitzalan, 7th Earl of Arundel, passed away in 1435. The title then went to William's young nephew, Humphrey Fitzalan, 8th Earl of Arundel, who was only six years old. Humphrey had no children, so William was next in line to inherit the title. When Humphrey died three years later in 1438, William officially became the 9th Earl of Arundel.
Family Life
William Fitzalan married Joan Neville. She was the oldest daughter of Richard Neville, 5th Earl of Salisbury, and Alice Montagu, 5th Countess of Salisbury. Alice was also an important noblewoman in her own right.
William and Joan had five children together:
- Thomas Fitzalan, 10th Earl of Arundel (1450–1524), who later became the 10th Earl.
- William Fitzalan.
- George Fitzalan.
- John Fitzalan.
- Mary Fitzalan.
Role in English Politics
William Fitzalan was involved in the politics of his time. In 1458, he was asked to join an important meeting called the Great Council. He was even told to hurry up and attend!
He was one of the few nobles who first supported the House of Lancaster. This was one of the two powerful families fighting for control of England during the Wars of the Roses. He fought for the Lancasters at the Battle of Ludford Bridge in 1459.
Later, William changed his support to the House of York. He then fought for the Yorkists in the Second Battle of St Albans in 1461. The Yorkist army was led by his brother-in-law, Richard Neville, 16th Earl of Warwick.
Honors and Responsibilities
In 1471, King Edward IV of England gave William Fitzalan a special honor. He was made a Knight of the Garter. This was probably to thank him for his support during the Wars of the Roses.
William also held an important job called the Warden of the Cinque Ports. He had this role in 1471 and again from 1483 to 1487. The Warden was responsible for protecting a group of important coastal towns in England.
