Michael de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk

Also known as: Michael de la Pole / Michaell de la Poole / Michaell de la Poole earle of Suffolke / Michaell de la Poole erle of Suffolke / Michaell lord de la Poole / lord Michael de la Poole · Family: England · Role: lord chancellor · First appears: Richard II 28

Michael de la Pole was created Earl of Suffolk and advanced to lord chancellor by Richard II around 1386, whose great affection and favor he enjoyed. In the London parliament that year, the Commons accused him of various crimes, and with the Lords they prevailed against him despite Richard II’s wishes. Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester and Richard FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel then judged him; he was convicted of “sundrie crimes, trespasses, and naughtie parts,” allowed to go abroad under surety, and removed from the chancellorship. After the parliament was dissolved, Richard II annulled the measures against him and restored him to closer favor, even seating him at the royal table at Christmas 1387 in robes appointed for kings.

By 1388, Michael de la Pole stood among the advisers through whom Richard II was ruled, and with Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland he compelled John Belknap to subscribe a judicial question after Belknap had refused. He and Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland, along with other counselors, continued to stir Richard II’s displeasure against Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, Richard FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel, and Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick. The opposing lords accused him and the other counselors of treason, and at the next parliament he was called to answer; when he did not appear, he was banished for ever and his lands and goods were forfeited to Richard II.