Edmund FitzAlan, 9th Earl of Arundel, English politician (d. 1326)

Edmund Fitzalan, 2nd Earl of Arundel: A Life in Tumultuous Times

Edmund Fitzalan, born on 1 May 1285, was an English nobleman whose life and ultimate fate were inextricably linked to the turbulent reign of King Edward II. As the 2nd Earl of Arundel, he inherited not only significant lands and prestige but also a position at the very heart of the power struggles that defined early 14th-century England, a period marked by profound political instability and frequent baronial opposition to royal authority.

Early Life, Inheritance, and Marriage

Edmund's journey to prominence began early, shaped by personal loss and strategic alliances. His father, Richard Fitzalan, the 1st Earl of Arundel, passed away in 1302, leaving Edmund a minor at the tender age of seventeen. This circumstance placed him under the traditional system of wardship, a common practice in medieval England where the monarch, or a designated magnate, assumed control of a minor noble's estates and upbringing. In Edmund's case, he became a ward of the powerful John de Warenne, Earl of Surrey, a move that would prove strategically advantageous. Cementing this connection, Edmund married Warenne's granddaughter, Alice de Warenne, further intertwining their families and consolidating their influence within the English aristocracy. By 1306, having come of age, Edmund was formally styled the Earl of Arundel, taking his rightful place among the realm's most influential figures. His early career saw him serving King Edward I in the protracted and often brutal Scottish Wars, a testament to his military duties and loyalty to the crown, for which he received substantial rewards in land and favour.

From Opposition to Ally: The Shifting Sands of Royal Politics

The death of Edward I in 1307 heralded a new, more volatile era under his son, King Edward II. Initially, Arundel found himself aligned with a powerful faction of the baronage deeply resentful of the new king’s perceived misgovernance and his excessive favouritism towards Piers Gaveston, a charismatic but widely unpopular Gascon nobleman. The barons, including Arundel, viewed Gaveston as an arrogant upstart who wielded undue influence, diverting royal patronage and undermining traditional aristocratic power. This widespread discontent culminated in 1311 with the formation of the Lords Ordainers, a powerful committee of magnates, of which Arundel was a key member. This group sought to reform the royal administration, curb royal prerogatives, and effectively assume control of government from the king. Their efforts led to the exile and eventual, highly dramatic, execution of Piers Gaveston in 1312, a pivotal moment in English history. Arundel, alongside Thomas, Earl of Lancaster – then the most powerful magnate in England and leader of the baronial opposition – bore responsibility for this audacious act of defiance against the crown. Yet, remarkably, Arundel's relationship with Edward II began to mend after Gaveston's death. This significant shift was largely facilitated by his burgeoning association with the king's new favourite, Hugh Despenser the Younger. Despenser, a ruthlessly ambitious and avaricious courtier, quickly eclipsed Gaveston in influence, forming a formidable and often hated power bloc with the king. Arundel's bond with Despenser was solidified through a strategic marital alliance: Despenser's daughter married Arundel's own son and heir. This family connection drew Arundel closer to the king's inner circle, transforming him from a fierce critic into a staunch supporter. He actively backed Edward II in suppressing the various rebellions that flared up during this tumultuous period, notably those led by Roger Mortimer and other powerful Marcher Lords, who chafed under Despenser's growing dominance, and ultimately, even the formidable Thomas of Lancaster himself. For his unwavering loyalty and military service during these critical campaigns, Arundel was generously rewarded with additional lands and significant offices, further enhancing his power and wealth.

The Fateful Invasion and Tragic End

Arundel's fortunes took a dramatic and ultimately fatal turn in 1326. The widespread resentment against the Despensers, coupled with Queen Isabella's growing estrangement from her husband and her new alliance with the exiled Roger Mortimer in France, set the stage for a catastrophic invasion. Queen Isabella and Mortimer landed in England with a small but determined force, quickly gaining popular support from a populace fed up with Edward II and the Despensers. The king's regime rapidly collapsed. Immediately following the capture of Edward II, and with the realm now under the de facto control of the queen and Mortimer, Arundel's fate was sealed. On 17 November 1326, in a ruthless act of political retribution, the queen, acting as regent, ordered his execution. He was put to death without trial, his title declared forfeit, and his vast properties confiscated. His execution underscored the brutal realities of medieval power struggles and served as a stark warning to any who had supported the fallen king.

Legacy and Posthumous Veneration

The immediate aftermath of Arundel's death saw his family plunged into disinheritance. His son and rightful heir, Richard Fitzalan, spent several years dispossessed of his ancestral titles and lands. However, the political landscape shifted once more in 1330 when the young Edward III, having come of age, successfully overthrew the regency of his mother Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer. In 1331, Edward III, seeking to consolidate his own rule and perhaps to redress past injustices, restored Richard Fitzalan to the earldom of Arundel and returned his family's confiscated estates. This act not only righted a wrong but also marked the beginning of a long and distinguished line of Arundel earls. Decades later, in the 1390s, a remarkable development occurred: a cult began to emerge around the late Edmund Fitzalan. He became venerated as a martyr, seen by many as a victim of tyrannical injustice, particularly given the circumstances of his execution and the later downfall of his executioners. While this grassroots veneration reflected strong popular and perhaps politically motivated sentiment regarding his perceived innocence and unjust death, it is important to note that he was never officially canonised by the Church, a status reserved for saints recognized through formal ecclesiastical processes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Edmund Fitzalan, 2nd Earl of Arundel

Who was Edmund Fitzalan?

Edmund Fitzalan (1285-1326) was an English nobleman who served as the 2nd Earl of Arundel, a prominent figure during the turbulent reign of King Edward II, known for his shifting allegiances in the conflicts between the king and his powerful barons.

What was his connection to King Edward II?

Initially, Edmund Fitzalan was a strong opponent of Edward II and his favourite, Piers Gaveston, even playing a role in Gaveston's execution. However, his loyalty shifted, and he later became a staunch supporter of Edward II and his new favourite, Hugh Despenser the Younger, particularly against rebellions led by Roger Mortimer and Thomas, Earl of Lancaster.

What role did he play as a "Lord Ordainer"?

As one of the Lords Ordainers in 1311, Edmund Fitzalan was part of a powerful baronial council that sought to reform royal administration and limit the king's power, effectively taking control of the government from Edward II due to dissatisfaction with his rule and favourites.

How did he die?

Edmund Fitzalan was executed on 17 November 1326 by order of Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer. His execution was an act of political retribution following their successful invasion of England and the capture of King Edward II, aimed at eliminating key supporters of the deposed king.

Was he considered a martyr?

Yes, in the 1390s, a cult emerged around Edmund Fitzalan, and he was venerated by some as a martyr. This was a popular expression of belief that he had died unjustly, though he was never officially canonised by the Church as a saint.

What happened to his family and lands after his death?

Following his execution, Edmund Fitzalan's title was forfeited, and his properties were confiscated. However, his son and heir, Richard Fitzalan, eventually recovered the title and lands in 1331 after Edward III took power from the regency of Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer.