John FitzAlan, 7th Earl of Arundel (b. 1246)
John Fitzalan, 7th Earl of Arundel: A Valiant but Brief Life in the Hundred Years' War
Born on February 14, 1408, John Fitzalan, the 7th Earl of Arundel and 4th Baron Maltravers, was an English nobleman whose brief yet impactful life unfolded during the tumultuous later phases of the Hundred Years' War. This era was characterized by ongoing conflict between England and France, shaping the careers and destinies of many, including Fitzalan, as they vied for power and territory across the Channel.
A Contested Earldom and Family Legacy
Fitzalan's early life, at least in terms of his family's standing, was marked by a significant legal struggle. His father, also named John Fitzalan and the 3rd Baron Maltravers, spent years embroiled in a tenacious battle to assert his claim to the prestigious Arundel earldom. This wasn't a quick legal skirmish; it was a protracted dispute that unfortunately remained unresolved during the elder Fitzalan's lifetime. It was only in 1433, after his father's passing, that John Fitzalan, the son, finally saw the family's perseverance rewarded, formally being confirmed in the esteemed title of Earl of Arundel. This confirmation undoubtedly solidified his position within the English aristocracy, though by then, his military career was already well underway.
Military Prowess in France
Even before his official confirmation as Earl, Fitzalan had already embarked on a distinguished military path across the Channel. In 1430, he departed for France, where the English crown, under the regency of John, Duke of Bedford—the uncle to the young, eight-year-old King Henry VI—was actively prosecuting the war. Fitzalan swiftly rose through the ranks, holding a succession of critical command positions. His responsibilities included the challenging task of reclaiming fortresses within the strategically vital Île-de-France region, as well as quelling persistent local rebellions that threatened English control. He proved to be a capable and respected commander, contributing significantly to the English war effort during a period where strong leadership was essential.
The Tragic Battle of Gerbevoy and Final Rest
Tragically, John Fitzalan's promising military career was cut short in 1435 at the Battle of Gerbevoy. Facing an enemy force that far outnumbered his own, Arundel, demonstrating a characteristic blend of courage and perhaps an excess of martial pride, steadfastly refused to order a retreat. During the intense fighting, he sustained a severe wound, being shot in the foot, which led to his capture by the French. The injury was grave, necessitating the amputation of his leg, a drastic medical procedure in the 15th century often fraught with complications. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after, a profound loss for England. For centuries, the exact location of his final resting place remained a mystery, sparking historical debate among scholars and his descendants. It wasn't until the mid-nineteenth century that the dispute was definitively resolved when his tomb at Arundel Castle was opened, revealing a skeleton with one leg missing, a poignant testament to his final, fatal battle.
A Lasting but Brief Legacy
John Fitzalan, 7th Earl of Arundel, was widely regarded by his contemporaries as an exceptional soldier. His successes as a commander in France were particularly notable, occurring during a period when English fortunes in the Hundred Years' War were generally in decline. His untimely death was, therefore, perceived as a significant blow to his country's military leadership and morale. The earldom passed to his son, Humphrey, but fate was unkind, as Humphrey did not live to reach adulthood. Consequently, the title of Earl of Arundel eventually devolved upon John's younger brother, William, ensuring the continuation of the prestigious Fitzalan line in the peerage.