Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk 1361-1415

Paternal Family Tree: De La Pole

In or before 1356 [his father] Michael de la Pole 1st Earl Suffolk [aged 25] and [his mother] Katherine Wingfield Countess Suffolk [aged 15] were married.

In 1361 Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk was born to Michael de la Pole 1st Earl Suffolk [aged 31] and Katherine Wingfield Countess Suffolk [aged 21].

Around 1375 [his brother-in-law] Hugh Burnell 2nd Baron Burnell [aged 28] and [his sister] Philippa Pole Baroness Burnell [aged 19] were married. She the daughter of [his father] Michael de la Pole 1st Earl Suffolk [aged 45] and [his mother] Katherine Wingfield Countess Suffolk [aged 35].

In 1386 [his mother] Katherine Wingfield Countess Suffolk [aged 46] died.

Wonderful Parliament

Chronicle of Adam of Usk [~1352-1430]. September 1386. Owing to the many ill-starred crises of king Richard's [aged 19] reign, which were caused by his youth, a solemn parliament was holden at Westminster, wherein twelve of the chief men of the land were advanced, by full provision of parliament, to the government of the king and the kingdom, in order to bridle the wantonness and extravagance of his servants and flatterers, and, in short, to reform the business of the realm; but alas! only to lead to the weary deeds which are hereinafter written¹.

Note 1. The actual number of the commissioners appointed by the Wonderful Parliament of 1386 was eleven, or fourteen if the three principal officers of state be included. The eleven were: the archbishops of Canterbury [aged 44] and York [aged 45], the dukes of York [aged 45] and Gloucester [aged 31], the bishops of Winchester [aged 66] and Exeter, the abbot of Waltham, the earl of Arundel, John de Cobham, Richard le Scrope, and John Devereux. Thomas Arundel [aged 33], bishop of Ely, had replaced Michael de la Pole [aged 25], earl of Suffolk, as chancellor; John Gilbert, bishop of Hereford, was treasurer; and John de Waltham, keeper of the privy seal. It will be remembered that John of Gaunt [aged 46] was at this time in Spain, as a reason for his name not appearing on the commission.

On 5th September 1389 [his father] Michael de la Pole 1st Earl Suffolk [aged 59] died in Paris [Map].

Around 1390 [his daughter] Elizabeth Pole was born to Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 29] and [his future wife] Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk [aged 14]. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward I of England. She married 1. Thomas Kerdeston and had issue 2. before 23rd September 1415 her first cousin Edward Burnell, son of Hugh Burnell 2nd Baron Burnell and Philippa Pole Baroness Burnell.

Before 20th October 1392 Thomas Holland 1st Duke Surrey [aged 18] and [his future sister-in-law] Joan Stafford Countess Kent [aged 14] were married. She the daughter of Hugh Stafford 2nd Earl Stafford and Philippa Beauchamp Countess Stafford [aged 58]. He the son of Thomas Holland 2nd Earl Kent [aged 42] and Alice Fitzalan Countess Kent [aged 42]. They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 2 grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.

Before 1394 Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 32] and Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk [aged 17] were married. She by marriage Countess Suffolk. She the daughter of Hugh Stafford 2nd Earl Stafford and Philippa Beauchamp Countess Stafford [aged 59]. He the son of Michael de la Pole 1st Earl Suffolk and Katherine Wingfield Countess Suffolk.

In 1394 [his son] Michael de la Pole 3rd Earl Suffolk was born to Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 33] and [his wife] Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk [aged 18]. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward I of England. He married before 6th May 1410 his half fourth cousin once removed Elizabeth Mowbray Countess Suffolk, daughter of Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk and Elizabeth Fitzalan Duchess Norfolk, and had issue.

On 16th October 1396 [his son] William "Jackanapes" de la Pole 1st Duke of Suffolk was born to Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 35] and [his wife] Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk [aged 20] at Cotton, Suffolk. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward I of England. He married 11th November 1430 his fourth cousin once removed Alice Chaucer Duchess Suffolk and had issue.

After 1397 [his son] Thomas Pole was born to Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 36] and [his wife] Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk [aged 21]. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward I of England.

On 28th June 1398 [his brother-in-law] Edmund Stafford 5th Earl Stafford [aged 20] and Anne of Gloucester Plantagenet Countess Eu and Stafford [aged 15] were married. She by marriage Countess Stafford. She had, around eight years previously, married his brother Thomas Stafford 3rd Earl Stafford who had died in 1392; an example of Married to Two Siblings. She the daughter of Thomas of Woodstock 1st Duke of Gloucester and Eleanor Bohun Duchess Gloucester [aged 32]. He the son of Hugh Stafford 2nd Earl Stafford and Philippa Beauchamp Countess Stafford [aged 64]. They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 3 grandson of King Edward I of England. She a granddaughter of King Edward III of England.

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The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy

The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.

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In January 1399 Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 38] was restored 2nd Earl Suffolk, 2nd Baron Pole.

                    After 7th January 1400. The names of the lords who were present at the said declaration are as follows:
                
                    Henry, prince of Wales [aged 13].
                
                    Edmund, duke of York [aged 58].
                
                    Edward, earl of Rutland [aged 27].
                
                    Thomas, earl of Arundel [aged 18].
                
                    John, earl of Somerset [aged 27].
                
                    [his brother-in-law] Edmund, earl of Stafford [aged 21].
                
                    Henry, earl of Northumberland [aged 58].
                
                    Ralph, earl of Westmorland [aged 36].
                
                    Thomas, earl of Worcester [aged 57].
                
                    Michael, earl of Suffolk [aged 39].
                
                    Richard, Lord Grey of Codnor [aged 29].
                
                    Thomas, Lord Berkeley [aged 48].
                
                    John, Lord Charlton.
                
                    Reginald, Lord Grey of Ruthin [aged 38].
                
                    Thomas, Lord Camoys [aged 49].
                
                    Thomas, Lord Furnivall [aged 38].
                
                    Robert, Lord Scales [aged 28].
                
                    John, Lord Beaumont.
                
                    William, Lord Willoughby [aged 30].
                
                    Hugh, Lord Burnell [aged 53].
                
                    William, Lord Ferrers of Groby [aged 27].
                
                    William, Lord Bergavenny [aged 57].
                
                    John, Lord Lovell [aged 59].
                
                    Robert, Lord Harrington [aged 44].
                
                    Richard Lescrope [aged 73].

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Before 5th February 1403 [his son-in-law] Thomas Morley 6th Baron Marshal 5th Baron Morley [aged 10] and Isabel Pole Baroness Marshal and Morley were married. She the daughter of Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 42] and Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk [aged 27]. They were fourth cousin twice removed. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.

Before 6th May 1410 Michael de la Pole 3rd Earl Suffolk [aged 16] and Elizabeth Mowbray Countess Suffolk [aged 12] were married. She the daughter of Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke of Norfolk and Elizabeth Fitzalan Duchess Norfolk [aged 44]. He the son of Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 49] and Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk [aged 34]. They were half fourth cousin once removed. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward I of England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward I of England.

Deeds of King Henry V [1413-1421]. And on the same Wednesday [18th September 1415], there died at that siege a knight of most excellent and gracious reputation, Lord Suffolk. Michael de la Pole [aged 54]¹, Earl of Suffolk, left behind on the field a young heir of three seven-year spans, strong, bold, and agile among all the courtiers. And since neither at the appointed hour of the following Sunday [22nd September] nor before it did the French King, the Dauphin, nor anyone else come forward to lift the siege, our king immediately ascended his royal throne set up under a pavilion adorned with gold and rich tapestries², on the slope of the hill facing the town, surrounded by illustrious men, his nobles and dignitaries, in great numbers and elegant attire. At his right hand, his crowned helmet of triumph was held aloft on a spear by the knight Gilbert Umfraville³.

Note 1. Michael de la Pole, 2nd Earl of Suffolk, 1361-1415. Son of Michael de la Pole, 1st Earl of Suffolk, 1330-1389 and Katherine Wingfield. His father, the son of a merchant from Kingston-on-Hull, was prominent at the Court of King Richard II, who had been sentenced to be hanged, drawn and quartered at the Merciless Parliament in 1388, but who escaped to France. Michael's heir also Michael, 3rd Earl of Suffolk, was killed a month or so later at the Battle of Agincourt.

Note 2. In a drawing to Rous' MS. of the Deeds of the Earl of Warwick, [Cott. MS. Julius E. iv.] Henry is portrayed, before Rouen, in a surcoat ornamented with fleurs-de-lys. Elmham's Life of King Henry V Chapter 20 Page 47: "The royal figure, clad in secure and brilliant armour, also had a helmet shining with the brightness of an immense diadem, surrounded by a gleaming crown, adorned with a precious band of sparkling gems, and encircled by a golden circle. His tunic was decorated with the arms of England and France. On this tunic, the radiance of three golden flowers shone in the azure field of planters, while on the other side, three golden leopards, frolicking in a purple field, solemnly adorned the royal attire."

Elmham's Life of King Henry V Chapter 20 Page 47. "As the feast of Saint Maurice arrived, on the final day of the refuge limit, they remained without support and, according to the prior agreement, were compelled to return the town. Therefore, a pavilion of marvellous beauty was raised in the countryside, and a route was established by which the guardians of the town were to bring the keys of the royal castle to the king. The two armies, shining with armour like a wall, circled the king, who was in a decent and noble arrangement, surrounded by a venerable company of princes and magnates, while Lionell Braquemount, knight and venerable captain of the town, led by notable Englishmen, after frequent genuflection and proper honours, did not hesitate to return the keys and the town, as had been agreed."

Titus Livius Pages 39-40: "The Captaines and inhabitants of the Towne seeinge theire day of appointment approach, and themselues vtterly desperate of any succors of theire people, ordayned to performe there couenant at the day prefixed. At wch day the Kings great pretory of sylke was erect in the fields, from wch pretorye or pauilion vnto the Towne was made a way or lane enclosed on both the sides wth armed Englishmen, by wch waye the daie of theire appointment, wch was the day of Saint Maurice, came Sr Lionell Braquemont, a noble knight and gouernor of the Towne, vnto the Kings highnes and kneelinge before his Grace saide these words: 'Most victorious Prince, behold here the keyes of this Towne, wch after our promise I yealde vnto you wth the Towne, my selfe, and my companie.' Then were brought to the Kings grace by his commaundement, the Lord lo Cotevile, the Lord Gangcourt, and other of the number of thirtie persons, as they before had couenaunted. And all the residue, as well souldiers and inhabitaunts, were suffered vnarmed to goe freely at theire pleasure."

The surrender took place on St. Maurice's Day, Sunday, September 22nd, before the expiration of the eight days, in consequence of the return of the Lord de Bacqueville to Harfleur, who informed the citizens that the king's forces were not assembled. [Monstrelet]

Note 3. Gilbert Umfraville, great grandson of Gilbert Umfraville, 8th Earl of Angus. Killed at the Battle of Baugé on the 22nd March 1421. He had married Anne Neville, younger sister of Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville, who subsequently married Richard, Duke of York.

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Siege of Harfleur

On 18th September 1415 Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk [aged 54] died of dysentery. His son Michael [aged 21] succeeded 3rd Earl Suffolk, 3rd Baron Pole. Elizabeth Mowbray Countess Suffolk [aged 17] by marriage Countess Suffolk.

After 1419. Monument to Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk and [his former wife] Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk [aged 43] in St Andrew's Church, Wingfield [Map]. Early Plate Bascinet Period.

Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk: Around 1376 she was born to Hugh Stafford 2nd Earl Stafford and Philippa Beauchamp Countess Stafford. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Edward I of England. Before 1394 Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk and she were married. She by marriage Countess Suffolk. She the daughter of Hugh Stafford 2nd Earl Stafford and Philippa Beauchamp Countess Stafford. He the son of Michael de la Pole 1st Earl Suffolk and Katherine Wingfield Countess Suffolk. On 8th April 1419 she died.

/_PHOTOS/20180916-Wingfield_Suffolk/Wingfield Suffolk 20180916-132513.jpg

On 8th April 1419 [his former wife] Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk [aged 43] died.

[his daughter] Isabel Pole Baroness Marshal and Morley was born to Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk and Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Edward I of England. She married before 5th February 1403 her fourth cousin twice removed Thomas Morley 6th Baron Marshal 5th Baron Morley and had issue.

[his son] Abbess Katherine Pole was born to Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk and Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward I of England.

[his son] John Pole was born to Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk and Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward I of England.

[his son] Alexander Pole was born to Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk and Katherine Stafford Countess Suffolk. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward I of England.

Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk 1361-1415

Royal Descendants of Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk 1361-1415
Number after indicates the number of unique routes of descent. Descendants of Kings and Queens not included.

Ancestors of Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk 1361-1415

Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk 1361-1415

Royal Descendants of Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk 1361-1415Number after indicates the number of unique routes of descent. Descendants of Kings and Queens not included.

Ancestors of Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk 1361-1415

Royal Descendants of Michael de la Pole 2nd Earl Suffolk 1361-1415
Number after indicates the number of unique routes of descent. Descendants of Kings and Queens not included.