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Richard Fitzalan, 3rd Earl of Arundel

c. 1313 – 24 January 1376

House: FitzAlan, de Warenne

Titles: 3rd Earl of Arundel, 8th Earl of Surrey

Richard Fitzalan, born around 1313, was an English nobleman, a military leader, and an admiral. He was the eldest son of Edmund Fitzalan, 2nd Earl of Arundel, and Alice de Warenne. Fitzalan succeeded in regaining his father’s estates and titles, eventually becoming one of the wealthiest nobles during the reign of Edward III. He served in various high offices, including Justiciar of North Wales and Constable of Portchester Castle, and was a trusted supporter of Edward the Black Prince in Wales.

Fitzalan’s military service during the Hundred Years’ War included commanding the English army in the north and participating in the Battle of Sluys. He also served as Admiral of the Western Fleet and played a key role in the Battle of Crécy. His political and military acumen extended to his financial dealings, leaving a considerable fortune upon his death. Fitzalan was responsible for initiating the construction of the Fitzalan Chapel at Arundel Castle.

Notable events

  • after 30 December 1304
    Marriage of parents Edmund Fitzalan and Alice de Warenne arranged.
  • 1321
    Married to Isabel le Despenser.
  • 17 November 1326
    Father executed, initially did not inherit titles or estates.
  • 1330
    Began reacquiring the Earldom of Arundel and estates.
  • 1340
    Appointed joint lieutenant of Aquitaine and fought in the Flanders campaign.
  • 1346
    Served as a commander at the Battle of Crécy.
  • 1347
    Succeeded to the Earldom of Surrey.
  • 1350
    Participated in naval engagement against the Spaniard De la Cerda.
  • 1375
    Destroyed the harbour of Roscoff during a military campaign.
  • 5 December 1375
    Wrote his will, mentioning his heirs and the construction of the Fitzalan Chapel.

Other details

Death: Died on 24 January 1376 at Arundel Castle at the age of 62 or 63, buried in Lewes Priory.

Children: 3 sons, 2 daughters by second wife; illegitimate children not specified.

Marriages: Isabel le Despenser (m. 1321; ann. 1344), Eleanor of Lancaster (m. 1345; died 1372)

Parents: Son of Edmund Fitzalan, 2nd Earl of Arundel, and Alice de Warenne.

Sources

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