John FitzAlan, 14th Earl of Arundel (d. 1435)

John Fitzalan, 7th Earl of Arundel and 4th Baron Maltravers, born on 14 February 1408, was a distinguished English nobleman and military commander. A Knight of the Garter (KG), England's most prestigious order of chivalry, he played a significant role during the tumultuous later phases of the Hundred Years' War, a period marked by shifting fortunes and increasing challenges for the English crown. His life, though tragically cut short on 12 June 1435, was defined by military prowess and a complex struggle for his family's ancestral titles.

The path to the Arundel earldom for John Fitzalan was fraught with difficulty, inherited from a protracted and often bitter legal dispute initiated by his father, John Fitzalan, 3rd Baron Maltravers. The esteemed Earldom of Arundel, one of England’s oldest and most influential peerages, held significant political and territorial power. The contention arose from complicated claims rooted in female line succession and rival ambitions, with his father, de jure 6th Earl of Arundel, tirelessly pursuing the title through his mother, Elizabeth de Bohun, the sister of the last Fitzalan Earl of the senior line. This arduous legal battle for formal recognition of the earldom, a process often involving petitions to Parliament and the Crown, persisted for years and was only definitively resolved after his father's death in 1421. Young John Fitzalan, though de jure 7th Earl upon his father's passing, had to wait until 1433 for official confirmation of his title by royal decree, finally cementing his claim and lineage.

Military Service in Lancastrian France

Even before his official confirmation as Earl of Arundel, John Fitzalan had already embarked on a crucial military career in France, departing in 1430. This was a critical juncture in the Hundred Years' War, following the death of King Henry V and the rise of Joan of Arc, which had significantly altered the balance of power. Fitzalan quickly rose through the ranks, holding a series of vital command positions within the English forces occupying Lancastrian France. He served directly under John, Duke of Bedford, the highly capable and influential uncle of the young, eight-year-old King Henry VI. As Regent of France, Bedford was the architect of English policy and strategy on the continent, and serving under him was a testament to Fitzalan's perceived leadership and skill. Bedford relied heavily on competent commanders to maintain English strongholds and prosecute the war effectively.

Fitzalan's responsibilities were diverse and demanding, focusing particularly on consolidating English control in the strategically vital Île-de-France region, the area surrounding Paris. His campaigns involved the recovery of key fortresses that had fallen to French forces or hostile local militias, such as the recapture of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte in 1434. He also played a crucial role in suppressing numerous local rebellions, which were a constant drain on English resources and a clear indication of burgeoning French national sentiment against the occupation. These operations required not only tactical military skill in siege warfare and pitched battles but also considerable administrative and diplomatic acumen to manage occupied territories and maintain supply lines in hostile territory.

The Battle of Gerbevoy and Arundel's Fatal Injury

John Fitzalan's promising military career, however, met a tragic and premature end at the Battle of Gerbevoy (also known as Gerberoy) on 12 June 1435. This engagement, near the town of Gerberoy in Picardy, was a significant French victory that further underscored the changing tide of the Hundred Years' War. Arundel had led an English force to relieve the besieged town of Le Crotoy but encountered a formidable French army, commanded by the renowned captains Étienne de Vignolles, known as La Hire, and Jean Poton de Xaintrailles. Despite being heavily outnumbered and facing a well-positioned enemy, Arundel, demonstrating the resolute courage for which he was known, steadfastly refused to order a retreat. His determination to stand his ground against superior forces ultimately proved fatal.

During the intense fighting, Arundel was severely wounded, shot in the foot, and subsequently captured by the French. In an era before modern medical understanding or sterile surgical practices, battle wounds were often death sentences. To save his life, his leg was later amputated, a common but exceedingly dangerous procedure during the 15th century. Sadly, despite this drastic measure, he succumbed to the complications of his injury, likely infection or blood loss, shortly after the amputation. His death, on the very day of the battle, represented a significant blow to English morale and leadership, robbing the English of one of their most effective commanders at a time when they desperately needed strong military figures.

Legacy and the Mystery of His Final Resting Place

By all accounts, John Fitzalan, 7th Earl of Arundel, was revered by his contemporaries as an exceptional soldier and a highly successful commander. His achievements in France were particularly notable given that they occurred during a period of escalating decline for English fortunes in the Hundred Years' War. His death was therefore considered a profound loss for England, which struggled to replace commanders of his calibre as the war continued to turn in favour of the French crown. His courage, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the English cause left a lasting impression, solidifying his reputation as a chivalrous and formidable warrior.

Adding a fascinating dimension to his legacy was the long-standing dispute surrounding his final resting place. According to his will, Arundel desired to be buried at Fécamp Abbey in Normandy, France, a significant spiritual centre with strong connections to the English crown. For centuries, it was believed he lay there. However, this belief was dramatically challenged in the mid-19th century. In 1857, during renovations at the Fitzalan Chapel within Arundel Castle in Sussex, England, a tomb believed to be his was opened. Inside, a skeleton was discovered, conspicuously missing one leg. This astonishing discovery provided compelling physical evidence that Arundel's body had, at some point, been secretly or officially repatriated to his ancestral home, confirming his identity in a macabre yet definitive manner and finally resolving a historical mystery that had persisted for over 400 years.

The earldom of Arundel passed to his only son, Humphrey, who tragically did not live to adulthood, dying in childhood. Consequently, the prestigious title of Earl of Arundel then devolved upon John's younger brother, William Fitzalan, ensuring the continuation of the Fitzalan line in one of England's premier noble families.

Frequently Asked Questions about John Fitzalan, 7th Earl of Arundel

Who was John Fitzalan, 7th Earl of Arundel?
John Fitzalan was an English nobleman and a highly regarded military commander who served during the later stages of the Hundred Years' War. He was also a Knight of the Garter, the highest order of chivalry in England.
What was the significance of the Arundel earldom?
The Earldom of Arundel was one of the most ancient and powerful peerages in England, carrying substantial landholdings and political influence. Its inheritance was often contested due to its prestige.
How did John Fitzalan become Earl of Arundel?
He inherited the claim from his father, who fought a long legal battle. John Fitzalan the son was officially confirmed as the 7th Earl in 1433, after years of dispute following his father's death.
Who was John, Duke of Bedford, and what was his role?
John, Duke of Bedford, was King Henry VI's uncle and served as the Regent of France during Henry VI's minority. He was the primary English military and administrative leader in France during much of Fitzalan's service.
What happened at the Battle of Gerbevoy?
The Battle of Gerbevoy in 1435 was where John Fitzalan was mortally wounded. He famously refused to retreat against superior French forces, was shot in the foot, captured, and died shortly after an amputation due to his injuries.
Where was John Fitzalan originally intended to be buried, and where was he found?
He wished to be buried at Fécamp Abbey in Normandy, France. However, his tomb at Arundel Castle in Sussex, England, was discovered in 1857 to contain a skeleton missing one leg, confirming his repatriation and final resting place.