Richard FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel

Also known as: Richard Fitzalan, Earl of Arundel / Richard earle of Arundell / Richard fitz Aleine / Richard, Earl of Arundel · Family: English lords · Role: earl and judge · First appears: Richard II 34

Around c. 1386, Richard FitzAlan served as a judge with Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester when Michael de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk was convicted of crimes. He was also among the thirteen lords appointed to oversee the realm under Richard II, to whom he stood in fealty. After Philip Mortimer’s death, Richard married her widow, Philip Mortimer.

In c. 1387, Richard became lord admiral and joined Thomas Mowbray, Duke of Norfolk in campaigns at sea and in Flanders. The English fleet defeated John Buicke, capturing him and eighty ships; Richard later seized one bastille at Brest and burned another. At court, Simon Burley and Richard Sturry were rivals who were said to envy Richard’s good name. By c. 1388, as Richard II’s advisers intensified the king’s displeasure against the opposing lords, Richard allied with Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, and Henry IV. He escaped an attempt to seize him at Haringie Park and joined the armed lords, who accused royal counsellors of treason; Richard II later declared the defamation against them false and placed them under his protection.

In c. 1397, Richard II sent Edward Plantagenet, Duke of York and Thomas Holland, Earl of Kent to arrest Richard. John of Gaunt pronounced judgment against him for treason, and Richard was beheaded at Tower Hill. His burial place was later concealed on Richard II’s order. In c. 1399, parliamentary articles accused Richard II of raising war against Richard and other leading lords; John Bushy and John Bussy were among those who spoke against him, while John of Gaunt was also counted as his enemy.