Richard Fitzalan, 4th Earl of Arundel

1346 – 21 September 1397

House: Fitzalan, Lancaster

Titles: 4th Earl of Arundel, 9th Earl of Surrey, Knight of the Garter, Admiral of the North and West, Admiral of England, Governor of Brest

Richard Fitzalan, 4th Earl of Arundel and 9th Earl of Surrey, KG, was born in 1346 and became an English nobleman and military commander. Succeeding his father on 24 January 1376, he was involved in the political and military affairs of his time, serving as Admiral and aligning with significant figures like Thomas, Duke of Gloucester, against King Richard II. He was also present at the coronation of Richard II, carrying the crown.

His military and political actions were notable, including defeating a Franco-Spanish-Flemish fleet off Margate and being involved in the Merciless Parliament. His opposition to Richard II led to his arrest and execution in 1397. His final words reportedly were a request for a swift execution. His attainder was reversed in 1400, allowing his son Thomas to inherit his titles and estates.

Notable events

24 January 1376
Succeeded his father as Earl of Arundel.
1377
Became Admiral of the North and West.
1386
Appointed to the King's Council and named Admiral of England.
March 1387
Defeated a Franco-Spanish-Flemish fleet off Margate.
22 December 1387
Defeated the King's Council at Radcot Bridge.
1388
Named Governor of Brest.
1389
Publicly opposed the peace with France.
1394
Accused John of Gaunt in the parliament and antagonized King Richard II.
12 July 1397
Arrested for opposition to Richard II.
21 September 1397
Executed by beheading.

Other details

Death: Died at the age of 50 or 51, executed for his opposition to King Richard II, and was buried in the church of the Augustin Friars in London.

Children: Thomas, Elizabeth, Joan, Margaret, Alice, William

Marriages: Elizabeth de Bohun, Philippa Mortimer

Parents: Father: Richard Fitzalan, Mother: Eleanor of Lancaster

Sources

Compiled from various 3rd hand sources

https://en.wikipedia.org/