Births on January 16

Robert de Vere, duke of Ireland (d. 1392)

Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland, Marquess of Dublin, and 9th Earl of Oxford KG (16 January 1362 – 22 November 1392), was a profoundly influential and deeply controversial figure at the heart of King Richard II of England's court. He transcended the typical role of a court companion, becoming the monarch's closest confidant and principal favourite, a relationship that defined much of the early part of Richard II's reign.

Robert de Vere: King Richard II's Trusted Favourite and Confidant

Robert de Vere's relationship with King Richard II was exceptionally close, evolving beyond mere companionship into a deep personal bond that granted de Vere extraordinary political power and patronage. As Richard II's chief favourite, de Vere received lavish grants of land, wealth, and unprecedented titles, signifying the King's profound trust and his desire to elevate loyalists who could counterbalance the influence of the traditional, often rebellious, English magnates. This singular favouritism, however, inevitably fueled resentment among the established nobility, who viewed de Vere's rapid ascent and perceived arrogance as a direct threat to their own positions and traditional aristocratic prerogatives.

Unprecedented Titles and Royal Patronage

De Vere's prominence was uniquely marked by the extraordinary titles bestowed upon him by King Richard II, making him a truly singular figure in English peerage history.

• 9th Earl of Oxford: As the 9th Earl, Robert de Vere inherited an ancient and distinguished peerage. The Earldom of Oxford had been held by the de Vere family since the 12th century, making them one of England's oldest and most venerable aristocratic houses. This hereditary title provided him with a foundational status within the English nobility.
• Marquess of Dublin: Created for him on 1 December 1385, the title of Marquess of Dublin was groundbreaking. It was the very first time the dignity of a "Marquess" had been introduced into the English peerage system. This innovative creation underscored Richard II's willingness to re-shape traditional hierarchies to empower his chosen allies and provided de Vere with specific authority over the city of Dublin and the surrounding English Pale in Ireland.
• Duke of Ireland: Elevated to Duke of Ireland on 13 October 1386, this dukedom was particularly contentious. At this period in English history, dukedoms were almost exclusively reserved for members of the royal family. Granting such a high honour to a non-royal subject like de Vere was seen by many as an unprecedented and provocative act, indicative of Richard II's determination to assert more direct royal control over the problematic English lordship of Ireland, potentially using de Vere as his viceroy there, bypassing the traditional Anglo-Irish lords. This move deeply alienated the established English aristocracy.
• Knight of the Garter (KG): His induction as a Knight of the Garter further solidified his elite status. Established by King Edward III around 1348, the Most Noble Order of the Garter is England's most prestigious order of chivalry, signifying the monarch's highest recognition for loyalty, valour, and service.

Controversy, Downfall, and Legacy

Robert de Vere's meteoric rise and the King's extravagant favouritism inevitably led to intense political opposition, particularly from a powerful group of nobles known as the Lords Appellant. This escalating conflict culminated in military confrontation at the Battle of Radcot Bridge in December 1387, where de Vere's forces were defeated. Subsequently, during the 'Merciless Parliament' of 1388, de Vere was condemned for treason and all his titles and lands were forfeited. He was forced into exile, initially to the Low Countries, and died in Louvain, Brabant (modern-day Belgium) on 22 November 1392, at the age of 30, likely from a boar hunting accident. Though his career was cut short, Robert de Vere remains a powerful symbol of King Richard II's controversial reign and the profound political instability caused by the King's elevation of personal favourites over traditional aristocratic power structures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Robert de Vere

Who was Robert de Vere?

Robert de Vere was a prominent English nobleman of the late 14th century, best known as the favourite and closest confidant of King Richard II. He was the 9th Earl of Oxford and uniquely held the unprecedented titles of Marquess of Dublin and Duke of Ireland, both created specifically for him by the King.

What was Robert de Vere's relationship with King Richard II?

Robert de Vere was King Richard II's most significant and controversial favourite. Their relationship was characterized by deep personal loyalty from the King, who showered de Vere with honours, wealth, and political power, which often alienated other powerful noble families and ultimately contributed to significant political conflict during Richard II's reign.

Why were his titles of Duke of Ireland and Marquess of Dublin so unusual?

The titles were highly unusual because the dukedom was typically reserved for members of the royal family, and the marquessate was the first such title ever created in the English peerage. These creations were seen as a deliberate attempt by King Richard II to elevate his non-royal favourite to an extraordinary status, consolidating power and asserting royal prerogative in a way that challenged traditional aristocratic hierarchies.

When did Robert de Vere die?

Robert de Vere died on 22 November 1392, in exile in Louvain (modern-day Belgium), at the age of 30. His death was reportedly the result of injuries sustained in a boar hunting accident.