John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk
John Howard entered the world around 1425 as the son of Sir Robert Howard and Margaret de Mowbray. His father held Tendring Hall in Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk, while his mother was the eldest daughter of Thomas Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk. This dual heritage connected him to English royalty through both paternal and maternal lines. On his father's side, he descended from Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall, a second son of King John who had an illegitimate son named Richard. That illegitimate line produced Joan of Cornwall, who married Sir John Howard before the 23rd of July 1331. His mother's lineage traced back to Edward I of England through two sons: Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk, and Edmund Crouchback. These connections placed Howard within the highest echelons of medieval nobility long before he claimed any titles himself.
Howard succeeded his father in 1436 and then inherited his grandfather's estate in 1437. He spent his youth in the household of cousin John Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk, until that noble died in 1461. During the 1450s, Howard held several local offices and was elected Parliament Shire knight for Suffolk in 1449. A contemporary source described him as "wode as a wilde bullok" during this turbulent period. He participated in Lord Lisle's expedition to Guyenne in 1452, which ended in defeat at Castillon on the 17th of July 1453. In December 1455, King Henry VI issued an official commission to Howard. By 1461, Howard had become a staunch adherent of the House of York and received knighthood from Edward IV at the Battle of Towton on the 29th of March 1461. That same year, he became Constable of Norwich and Colchester castles while joining the royal household as one of the King's carvers. This marked the start of service to the house of York that would last for the rest of his life.
Howard's political advancement accelerated through strategic marriages and royal appointments. Before the 29th of September 1442, he married Catherine Moleyns, daughter of Sir William Moleyns of Stoke Poges in Buckinghamshire. They produced two sons and four daughters including Thomas Howard, who later became the 2nd Duke of Norfolk. After Catherine died on the 3rd of November 1465, Howard married Margaret Chedworth before the 22nd of January 1467. She was the widow of Nicholas Wyfold and Sir John Norreys. With Margaret, Howard fathered Katherine Howard, who died on the 17th of March 1536. His wealth grew significantly by 1470 when he held sixteen manors around Stoke-by-Nayland. Seven of these had been granted by the King in 1462, and he purchased additional properties after 1463, including six forfeited from John de Vere, 12th Earl of Oxford. In April 1483, Edward IV appointed him Lord High Steward, while his eldest son carried the Sword of State at Richard III's coronation. On the 28th of June 1483, Howard received the title Duke of Norfolk as the third creation.
Howard supported Richard III's accession to the throne with unwavering loyalty. He took nine-year-old Richard of Shrewsbury from Westminster Abbey where the boy sought sanctuary with his mother. The child was moved to the Tower of London to join his brother Edward V, both of whom subsequently disappeared in mysterious circumstances. Howard served as Lord High Steward and bore the crown before Richard at his coronation. As Earl Marshal, he ordered the muster of lords, knights, and common soldiers to Bury St Edmunds abbey. These forces would march on Redemoor Plain, better known as Bosworth Field. His principal home remained at Stoke-by-Nayland and later Framlingham Castle in Suffolk. After his second marriage, he frequently resided at Ockwells Manor at Cox Green in Bray due to its proximity to Windsor Castle. Howard also spent time in Harwich, Essex building up the navy during 1482 while making a donation to the Dovercourt shrine.
Howard's titles were declared forfeit by King Henry VII after his death. However, his son, the 1st Earl of Surrey, was later restored as 2nd Duke. The Barony of Howard remains forfeit to this day. Howard became the great-grandfather of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, the second and fifth Queens consort respectively of King Henry VIII. Through Anne Boleyn, he was also the great-great-grandfather of Elizabeth I. His senior descendants held the Earldoms of Carlisle, Suffolk, Berkshire, and Effingham since the 17th century. Male-line descendants continue to hold the position of Earls Marshal and Premier Peers of England. The Howard family maintained their influence through these connections despite the initial forfeiture following Bosworth Field.
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Common questions
When was John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk born?
John Howard entered the world around 1425 as the son of Sir Robert Howard and Margaret de Mowbray. His dual heritage connected him to English royalty through both paternal and maternal lines.
Who were the parents of John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk?
His father held Tendring Hall in Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk, while his mother was the eldest daughter of Thomas Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk. This lineage placed Howard within the highest echelons of medieval nobility long before he claimed any titles himself.
What happened to John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk at Bosworth Field?
Howard served as Earl Marshal and ordered the muster of lords, knights, and common soldiers to Bury St Edmunds abbey for the march on Redemoor Plain known as Bosworth Field. His titles were declared forfeit by King Henry VII after his death during this conflict.
How did John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk die and when?
John Howard died on the 2nd of May 1536 according to records regarding his daughter Katherine Howard who also died on that date. The text states he became the great-grandfather of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard but does not specify his exact death date beyond the context of his life ending before 1485.
Who are the descendants of John Howard 1st Duke of Norfolk?
Howard became the great-grandfather of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, the second and fifth Queens consort respectively of King Henry VIII. Through Anne Boleyn, he was also the great-great-grandfather of Elizabeth I.