William de Ufford, 2nd Earl of Suffolk (b. c. 1339)

William Ufford, the 2nd Earl of Suffolk (born 30 May 1338; died 15 February 1382), was a prominent English nobleman who served during the pivotal reigns of King Edward III and his grandson, King Richard II. His life spanned a tumultuous period in medieval England, marked by continuous warfare abroad and significant political and social upheaval at home.

Family Background and Succession to the Earldom

William Ufford was the son of Robert Ufford, a distinguished military commander and statesman whom King Edward III created the 1st Earl of Suffolk in 1337. This creation elevated the Ufford family to a premier position within the English peerage, recognizing Robert’s extensive service, particularly during the early stages of the Hundred Years’ War. Despite having three older brothers—Robert, Thomas, and Ralph—all of whom unfortunately predeceased their father, William eventually inherited the family honours. He succeeded his father as the 2nd Earl of Suffolk in 1369, taking on the significant responsibilities and lands associated with one of England's most ancient and powerful earldoms.

Military Engagements in the Hundred Years’ War

Throughout the 1370s, William Ufford actively participated in various military campaigns of the protracted Hundred Years’ War, a period that proved particularly challenging and largely unsuccessful for England. Following the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, which had granted England significant territorial gains in France, hostilities resumed in 1369. The subsequent decade, often referred to as the Caroline War phase, saw England lose much of its previously held territory. Earl William Ufford served in several of these expeditions, which frequently involved chevauchées—destructive raiding campaigns designed to terrorize the countryside, disrupt the French economy, and draw the French army into open battle. While he demonstrated his military commitment, these campaigns often resulted in limited strategic gains and placed a heavy financial burden on the English Crown, contributing to widespread disillusionment with the war effort.

A Statesman of Conciliation: National Politics

Beyond his military service, William Ufford was a highly respected figure in English national politics. He forged close connections with other leading magnates, notably Thomas Beauchamp, the Earl of Warwick, and the immensely powerful royal prince, John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, uncle to the young King Richard II. In a political landscape often characterized by intense rivalries and factionalism, Suffolk's renowned conciliatory skills were invaluable. He was highly regarded for his ability to mediate disputes and build consensus among often-conflicting parties within the English aristocracy and Parliament.

One of his most significant interventions occurred during the contentious Good Parliament of 1376. This Parliament was notable for its unprecedented assertiveness, where the House of Commons launched a direct attack on the perceived corruption within Edward III's court and even initiated the impeachment of royal ministers like Lord Latimer and Richard Lyons. Amidst the heightened tensions between John of Gaunt, who sought to protect the royal prerogative and his own influence, and the critical parliamentary Commons, William Ufford played a crucial role. He actively helped arbitrate the bitter conflict, working to bridge the divide and steer the proceedings towards a resolution, thereby demonstrating his capacity for navigating complex political crises and preventing further escalation.

Role in Suppressing the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381

The year 1381 witnessed one of the most significant popular uprisings in English history: the Peasants’ Revolt. Triggered by grievances over the highly unpopular poll tax, economic hardship, and social inequalities, the revolt spread rapidly across southeastern England, with East Anglia becoming a major flashpoint. William Ufford, as a leading nobleman with extensive lands and influence in the region, found himself directly confronted by the rebels. He notably experienced a narrow escape from the insurgent forces, highlighting the immediate and severe threat posed by the uprising to the established order. Following this personal encounter, Suffolk played an active and crucial role in organizing and leading the efforts to suppress the revolt in East Anglia. His actions, alongside those of other loyal nobles and the young King Richard II himself, were instrumental in restoring order and ultimately crushing the rebellion, though its social and political impacts reverberated for decades.

Death, Extinction of Title, and Legacy

William Ufford’s life came to a sudden end on 15 February 1382, when he died unexpectedly while attending a session of Parliament. This sudden demise, at the relatively young age of 43, was a significant loss to the English peerage. Crucially, as William Ufford had no surviving children, the Ufford line, and with it the Earldom of Suffolk, became extinct upon his death. This meant the title reverted to the Crown, ending the Ufford family’s tenure as Earls of Suffolk. His extensive properties, which constituted a substantial patrimony, were subsequently dispersed among various heirs through complex legal processes, primarily his sisters and their descendants. The extinction of the earldom marked the end of an influential noble lineage that had played a vital role in both military campaigns and national politics during a formative period of English history.

Frequently Asked Questions About William Ufford, 2nd Earl of Suffolk

When was William Ufford, 2nd Earl of Suffolk, alive?
William Ufford was born on May 30, 1338, and passed away on February 15, 1382, during the reigns of King Edward III and King Richard II.
How did William Ufford become the 2nd Earl of Suffolk?
He succeeded his father, Robert Ufford, the 1st Earl of Suffolk, in 1369. William's three older brothers had all predeceased their father, making him the direct heir.
What was William Ufford's role in the Hundred Years' War?
He participated in several English campaigns in France during the 1370s. However, this period was generally marked by English setbacks, with significant territorial losses during the Caroline War phase.
Why was William Ufford considered important in national politics?
He was highly valued for his conciliatory skills, maintaining close connections with powerful figures like John of Gaunt and Thomas Beauchamp. He used these skills to arbitrate disputes, notably during the contentious Good Parliament of 1376.
What was his involvement in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381?
After narrowly escaping rebels himself, William Ufford played a key role in suppressing the Peasants' Revolt in East Anglia, a major center of the uprising.
Did William Ufford have any children? What happened to his title?
No, William Ufford had no surviving children. Upon his sudden death in 1382, the Earldom of Suffolk became extinct, and his properties were dispersed among his sisters and their heirs.