Biography of Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland 1362-1392

Paternal Family Tree: Vere

Maternal Family Tree: Aoife NI Diarmait Macmurrough Countess Pembroke and Buckingham 1145-1188

1387 Battle of Radcot Bridge

1388 Merciless Parliament

On 24 Jan 1360 [his grandfather] John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford (age 47) died. He was buried at Colne Priory [Map]. His son [his father] Thomas de Vere 8th Earl of Oxford (age 24) succeeded 8th Earl of Oxford.

Before 16 Jan 1362 [his father] Thomas de Vere 8th Earl of Oxford (age 26) and [his mother] Maud Ufford Countess of Oxford (age 17) were married. She by marriage Countess of Oxford. She the daughter of Ralph Ufford and Maud Plantagenet Countess Ulster (age 52). He the son of John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford and Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford (age 53). He a great x 5 grandson of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England. She a great x 2 granddaughter of King Henry III of England.

On 16 Jan 1362 Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland was born to Thomas de Vere 8th Earl of Oxford (age 26) and Maud Ufford Countess of Oxford (age 17). He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry III of England.

In Sep 1371 [his father] Thomas de Vere 8th Earl of Oxford (age 35) died. His son Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 9) succeeded 9th Earl of Oxford.

On 05 Oct 1376 Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 14) and Philippa Guines Duchess Ireland (age 9) were married. She by marriage Countess of Oxford. She the daughter of Enguerrand de Coucy 1st Earl Bedford 1st Count Soissons (age 36) and Isabella Countess Bedford and Soissons (age 44). He the son of Thomas de Vere 8th Earl of Oxford and Maud Ufford Countess of Oxford (age 31). They were half third cousin once removed. He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry III of England. She a granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

In 1385 Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 22) was created 1st Marquis Dublin. [his wife] Philippa Guines Duchess Ireland (age 17) by marriage Marchioness Dublin.

In 1385 Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 22) was appointed 73rd Knight of the Garter by King Richard II of England (age 17).

Calendars. 12 Feb 1385. Commission to W. Bishop of  Winchester (age 65), Thomas, Bishop of  Exeter, Richard, Earl of Arundel (age 39), Robert, Earl of Oxford (age 23), Thomas, Earl of Nottingham (age 16), Hugh de Segrave (age 89), treasurer of England, Simon de Burley (age 45), under-chamberlain, Nicholas Brembre, mayor of London, John Clanvowe and Robert Plesyngton, knights, Master Walter Skirlawe, keeper of the privy seal, John Waltham, keeper of the rolls of Chancery, John Appelby, dean of St. Paul's, London, Richard Rounhale and Thomas Bacton, clerks,

In 1386 Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 23) was created 1st Duke Ireland. [his wife] Philippa Guines Duchess Ireland (age 18) by marriage Duchess Ireland.

In 1387 Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 24) and Agnes Launcekrona Duchess Ireland were married. She by marriage Duchess Ireland, Marchioness Dublin, Countess of Oxford. He the son of Thomas de Vere 8th Earl of Oxford and Maud Ufford Countess of Oxford (age 42). He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry III of England.

In 1387 Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 24) and Philippa Guines Duchess Ireland (age 19) were divorced.

Calendars. 11 Oct 1387. Inspeximus and confirmation to John de Beauchamp of Holt (age 68) of a writing of even date, of Robert de Veer (age 25), duke of Ireland, granting, with the king's consent and licence, to the said John, for life, a yearly rent of £100 from the manors of Bovytracy and Holdesworthy, co. Devon, and Blakedon and Ludeford, co. Somerset, and all other his lands in the last named county. Witnessed by Alexander (age 46), archbishop of York, Michael de la Pole (age 57), Earl of Suffolk, Nicholas Slake, Richard Clifford, and Richard Felde. And further grant that in case the said Robert die in the lifetìme of the said John, the latter shall receive the said yearly rent for the term of his life, and if the said manors and lands are recovered out of the king's hand, he shall receive it at the Exchequer. By p.s.

Battle of Radcot Bridge

On 19 Dec 1387 the forces of the Lords Appellant led by the future King Henry IV of England (age 20) prevented the forces of King Richard II of England (age 20) commanded by Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 25) from crossing the bridge [Map] over the River Thames at Radcot in Oxfordshire. When Thomas of Woodstock 1st Duke of Gloucester (age 32) arrived with further Lord Appellant forces the King's men were encircled. The King's men attempted to force the crossing of the bridge at which time the only casualties occurred including Thomas Molyneux (age 49) who was killed by Thomas Mortimer (age 37). Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 25) narrowly escaped to France. Around 800 of his men drowned in the marshes whilst trying to escape.

In 1388 Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 25) exiled at Louvain [Map].

Merciless Parliament

On 03 Feb 1388 the Merciless Parliament commenced. It ended on 04 Jun 1388. Its primary function was to prosecute members of the Court of King Richard II of England (age 21). The term "Merciless" is contemporary having been coined by the chronicler Henry Knighton.

Michael de la Pole 1st Earl Suffolk (age 58) was sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered in his absence. He had escaped to France.

Archbishop Alexander Neville (age 47) was found guilty of treason and it was determined to imprison him for life in Rochester Castle, Kent [Map]. He fled to Louvain [Map] where he became a parish priest for the remainder of his life.

On 19 Feb 1388 Robert Tresilian was hanged naked and his throat cut. See Chronicle of Adam of Usk.

On 25 Mar 1388 Nicholas Brembre was hanged. He was buried at Christ Church Greyfriars [Map].

On 05 May 1388 Simon Burley (age 48) was executed despite the protestations of his friend Edmund of Langley 1st Duke York (age 46). See Chronicle of Adam of Usk.

On 12 May 1388 John Beauchamp 1st Baron Beauchamp (age 69) was beheaded at Tower Hill [Map]. He was buried at Worcester Cathedral [Map]. Baron Beauchamp of Kidderminster forfeit.

Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 26) was attainted.

On 22 Nov 1392 Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland (age 30) was killed whilst hunting at Louvain [Map]. His uncle [his uncle] Aubrey de Vere 10th Earl of Oxford (age 54) succeeded 10th Earl of Oxford.

After 22 Nov 1395 Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland was buried at Colne Priory [Map]. King Richard II of England (age 28) had the coffin opened to kiss his friend's hand and to gaze on his face one last time.

Froissart. 1397. News of this event was sooner known in France and Flanders than in England. The French rejoiced much at it; for it was commonly reported that there would never be any solid peace between France and England as long as the duke of Gloucester (age 41) lived; and it was well remembered, that in the negotiations for peace he was more obstinate in his opinions than either of his brothers; and, for this reason, his death was no loss to France. In like manner, many knights and squires of the king of England's household, who were afraid of him, for his severe and rough manners, were pleased at his death. They recounted how he had driven the duke of Ireland to banishment, and had ignominiously beheaded that prudent and gallant knight sir Simon Burley, who had been so much beloved by the prince of Wales, and had done essential services to his country. The deaths of sir Robert Trevilian, sir Nicholas Bramber, sir John Standwich, and others, were not forgotten, so that the duke of Gloucester (age 41) was but little lamented in England, except by those who were of his party and manner of thinking.

In Oct 1411 [his former wife] Philippa Guines Duchess Ireland (age 44) died.

Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland 1362-1392 appears on the following Descendants Family Trees:

King Henry III of England 1207-1272

Royal Ancestors of Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland 1362-1392

Kings Wessex: Great x 10 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 11 Grand Son of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 13 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 11 Grand Son of Maredudd ab Owain King Deheubarth King Powys King Gwynedd

Kings England: Great x 3 Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 8 Grand Son of Malcolm III King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 6 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great x 4 Grand Son of Louis "Lion" VIII King France

Ancestors of Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland 1362-1392

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert de Vere 3rd Earl of Oxford

Great x 3 Grandfather: Hugh de Vere 4th Earl of Oxford

Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabel de Bolebec Countess of Oxford

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert de Vere 5th Earl of Oxford

Great x 4 Grandfather: Saer Quincy 1st Earl Winchester

Great x 3 Grandmother: Hawise Quincy Countess Oxford

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Beaumont Countess Winchester

Great x 1 Grandfather: Alphonse Vere

Great x 2 Grandmother: Alice Sanford Countess of Oxford

GrandFather: John de Vere 7th Earl of Oxford

Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Foliot

Great x 2 Grandfather: Jordan Foliot

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Stuteville

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margery Stuteville

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Say 6th Baroness Burford

Great x 1 Grandmother: Jane Foliot

Father: Thomas de Vere 8th Earl of Oxford 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Gunselin Badlesmere

Great x 1 Grandfather: Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere

Great x 2 Grandmother: Joan Fitzbernard

GrandMother: Maud Badlesmere Countess of Oxford 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford 2 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard de Clare 6th Earl Gloucester 5th Earl Hertford 3 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas de Clare 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Lacy Earl Lincoln

Great x 3 Grandmother: Maud Lacy Countess Gloucester and Hertford 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Quincy 3rd Countess Lincoln and Pembroke 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Margaret Clare Baroness Badlesmere 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Maurice Fitzgerald 2nd Lord Offaly

Great x 3 Grandfather: Maurice Fitzgerald 4th Lord Offaly

Great x 4 Grandmother: Juliana Granville Baroness Offaly

Great x 2 Grandmother: Juliana Fitzgerald 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Stephen Longespée Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Emmeline Longespée Baroness Offaly Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Emmeline Riddlesford

Robert de Vere 1st Duke Ireland 3 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Robert Ufford 1st Baron Ufford

GrandFather: Ralph Ufford

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Valoignes

Great x 1 Grandmother: Cecily Valoignes Baroness Ufford

Mother: Maud Ufford Countess of Oxford 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: King John "Lackland" of England Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: King Henry III of England Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Edmund "Crouchback" Plantagenet 1st Earl of Leicester 1st Earl Lancaster Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: Henry Plantagenet 3rd Earl of Leicester 3rd Earl Lancaster Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Louis "Lion" VIII King France 3 x Great Grand Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Capet Count of Artois Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Blanche Ivrea Queen Consort France Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Blanche Capet Queen Navarre 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Henry Reginar II Duke Brabant 3 x Great Grand Son of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Matilda Reginar Countess Saint Pol 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King William "Conqueror" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Marie Swabia Duchess Brabant

GrandMother: Maud Plantagenet Countess Ulster Great Grand Daughter of King Henry III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Patrick Chaworth

Great x 2 Grandfather: Patrick Chaworth

Great x 1 Grandmother: Maud Chaworth

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Beauchamp

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Beauchamp 9th Earl Warwick

Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabel Maudit

Great x 2 Grandmother: Isabella Beauchamp Baroness Monthermer

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Fitzgeoffrey

Great x 3 Grandmother: Maud Fitzjohn Countess Warwick

Great x 4 Grandmother: Isabel Bigod