John Howard

John Howard of Stoke by Nayland was a prominent 15th-century nobleman who became the 1st Duke of Norfolk. He was a key supporter of the Yorkist kings, Edward IV and Richard III, and died fighting for Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. His association with Stoke by Nayland is reflected in his principal home at Tendring Hall and his role as patron for the rebuilding of St. Mary's Church there. 

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Family and Lineage: John Howard's father was Sir Robert Howard and his mother was Margaret de Mowbray, the eldest daughter of the 1st Duke of Norfolk. This lineage was crucial in his eventual claim to the Dukedom of Norfolk.

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​​Royal Service: Howard was a loyal right-hand man to both Edward IV and Richard III.

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The Dukedom of Norfolk: He was granted the Dukedom of Norfolk in 1483 by Richard III, becoming the 1st Duke of Norfolk of a new creation.

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Death at Bosworth: He led the vanguard for Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, where he was killed in action.

 

​Stoke-by-Nayland connection: Howard's main residence was Tendring Hall in Stoke by Nayland, and he was the patron during the 15th-century rebuilding of St. Mary's Church in the village. His coat of arms can be seen at the church. 

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John Howard and Catherine Howard were related with being her great-grandfather, the fifth wife of Henry VIII. Catherine Howard (born c. 1468) was the daughter of Edmund Howard, and his second wife Joyce Culpepper. 

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John Howard and Anne Boleyn are related as John Howard was the great-grandfather of Anne Boleyn and the great-great-grandfather of Elizabeth I. John Howard's grandson, Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, was Anne Boleyn's grandfather.