John Howard, Duke of Norfolk

Also known as: John Howard / sir Iohn Howard · Family: House of York · Role: knight · First appears: Edward IV 2

During Edward IV’s reign, John Howard was allied with William Neville, Lord Fauconberg and Richard Walgrave in the force that landed in Brittany and captured Conquet. Around 1474, Edward IV agreed to leave him as a hostage, with John Cheyne, until the English army had crossed the seas: “he should leaue in hostage the lord Howard”. In 1475, John Howard returned from hostage custody with John Cheyne, while Thomas Montgomery was richly rewarded; he also served among Edward’s councillors who helped secure peace with Louis XI, from whom he received a liberal reward.

Around 1485, Richard III counted John Howard among his “especiall & trustie friends” and ordered him to muster his servants and tenants for the royal army. The next day, John Howard commanded the vanguard with his son, Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey, as Richard deployed his forces.