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Joan Fitzalan , Countess of Hereford

1347 - 7 April 1419

House: FitzAlan

Titles: Countess of Hereford, Countess of Essex, Countess of Northampton

Lady Joan FitzAlan, born in 1347 at Arundel Castle, Sussex, was the eldest daughter of Richard FitzAlan, 10th Earl of Arundel, and Eleanor of Lancaster. She married Humphrey de Bohun, 7th Earl of Hereford, after 9 September 1359, uniting two influential noble families. Together, they had two daughters, Eleanor and Mary, who inherited their father's estates.

Widowed in January 1373, Lady Joan chose not to remarry and became a landowner in Essex. She managed her estates, acting as an arbitrator and feoffee in property transactions. In 1400, she ordered the execution of John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter, in revenge for his role in her brother's execution.

Lady Joan FitzAlan died on 7 April 1419 and was buried alongside her husband in Walden Abbey. Her estates were succeeded by her daughters.

Notable events

  • 1347
    Born at Arundel Castle, Sussex, as the eldest daughter of Richard FitzAlan and Eleanor of Lancaster.
  • After 9 September 1359
    Married Humphrey de Bohun, 7th Earl of Hereford.
  • January 1373
    Became a widow after the death of her husband, Humphrey de Bohun.
  • 1381
    Some of her manors were sacked during the Peasants' Revolt.
  • 1397
    Her brother Richard Fitzalan was executed for opposing King Richard II.
  • 1400
    Ordered the execution of John Holland, 1st Duke of Exeter, for his conspiracy against King Henry IV.
  • After 1400
    Received custody of forfeited lands and properties from King Henry IV.
  • 1413
    Her grandson Henry V continued to grant her control over forfeited estates.
  • 7 April 1419
    Died and was buried in Walden Abbey.
  • Throughout her life
    Acted as a patron of Walden Abbey and was a benefactress to Essex monasteries.

Other details

Death: Died at age 71-72 and was buried in Walden Abbey.

Children: 2 daughters: Eleanor de Bohun, Mary de Bohun

Marriages: Humphrey de Bohun, 7th Earl of Hereford

Parents: Richard Fitzalan, Eleanor of Lancaster

Sources

ionicons-v5-r
Compiled from various 3rd hand sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Fitzalan,_Countess_of_Hereford