Thomas de Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk

Thomas de Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk, KG, was an English peer with a direct bloodline from King Edward I. Inheriting the Earldom of Nottingham after the deaths of his father and elder brother, Mowbray became a royal favourite of King Richard II, which afforded him considerable benefits. His association with the king led to his election to the Order of the Garter. However, he experienced a fallout with John of Gaunt and became involved in political machinations against the king’s chancellor. After a period of disillusionment with his political allies, Mowbray returned to the king’s favour, taking part in military campaigns and diplomatic missions. His loyalty was rewarded with the dukedom of Norfolk, but subsequent events led to a conflict with Henry Bolingbroke, resulting in a cancelled trial by combat and Mowbray’s exile. He died in Venice while preparing for a pilgrimage.