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Robert de Vere, Earl of Oxford and Duke of Ireland (1362-1392)
The Rise and Fall of a Royal Favourite
Language:
English
Published/Copyright:
2024
About this book
The first full-length study of one of the most controversial figures of later fourteenth century England.
Robert de Vere was a close friend of the young King Richard II. He was accused of a wide range of political crimes and private vices by his opponents, the Lords Appellant. Defeated by them at the battle of Radcot Bridge in 1387, he died abroad in exile aged only 30. He was, in the eyes of many contemporaries - most notably the hostile chroniclers Walsingham and Froissart - and modern historians, a typical royal favourite: unmartial, immoral, self-seeking, and promoted and enriched far beyond what he deserved.
But what was a royal favourite, and what were the accusations made against them? This book investigates these questions across late medieval England, and assesses de Vere against contemporary criteria. Based on extensive archival research, this book shows there was more to de Vere than a grasping courtier. He had been Earl of Oxford since the age of nine, heir to a large landed estate, and had twice served in foreign wars. He also made a serious attempt to govern the English lordship in Ireland given to him by Richard. The findings here show him to be a far more rounded and complex figure than previously assumed.
Robert de Vere was a close friend of the young King Richard II. He was accused of a wide range of political crimes and private vices by his opponents, the Lords Appellant. Defeated by them at the battle of Radcot Bridge in 1387, he died abroad in exile aged only 30. He was, in the eyes of many contemporaries - most notably the hostile chroniclers Walsingham and Froissart - and modern historians, a typical royal favourite: unmartial, immoral, self-seeking, and promoted and enriched far beyond what he deserved.
But what was a royal favourite, and what were the accusations made against them? This book investigates these questions across late medieval England, and assesses de Vere against contemporary criteria. Based on extensive archival research, this book shows there was more to de Vere than a grasping courtier. He had been Earl of Oxford since the age of nine, heir to a large landed estate, and had twice served in foreign wars. He also made a serious attempt to govern the English lordship in Ireland given to him by Richard. The findings here show him to be a far more rounded and complex figure than previously assumed.
Author / Editor information
Contributor: James Ross
JAMES ROSS is Reader in Late Medieval History at the University of Winchester, UK. He has published extensively on the late medieval nobility, kingship and political society.
Reviews
This, then, is not a biography of a favourite. Rather it is a case study that highlights the varied concerns of the late medieval elite, from the local to the international. As such it makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of political culture in the later Middle Ages.
Topics
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Frontmatter
i -
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Contents
vii -
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List of Illustrations
ix -
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Acknowledgements
xi -
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1 Royal Favourites and their Opponents in the Later Middle Ages
13 -
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2 Family Background and Early Career
45 -
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3 Politics, Court and Patronage, 1381–5
75 -
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4 Ireland, 1385–7
117 -
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5 Downfall, Exile and Death, 1386–92
149 -
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6 Affinity, Regional Influence and Lifestyle
201 -
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Conclusion
237 -
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Appendix Known Locations of Robert de Vere, 1385–7
243 -
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Bibliography
247 -
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Index
273
Publishing information
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook published on:
July 17, 2024
eBook ISBN:
9781837651979
Original publisher:
Boydell Press
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook ISBN:
9781837651979
Keywords for this book
Richard II; Medieval peerage; Courtiers in the 1380s; Thomas Walsingham; Henry Bolingbroke; Earl of Oxford; St. George’s Chapel; Windsor; 14th century politics; John of Gaunt; Commission of 1386; Edward III; Duchy of Ireland; Royal favorites; Homosexuality in medieval court; Royal patronage
Audience(s) for this book
For an expert adult audience, including professional development and academic research
