John Cornwall, 1st Baron Fanhope - Peerage and Military Career

Peerage and Military Career

Sir John excelled in combat and was victorious in numerous tournaments, defeating many other knights in mêlée combat. During the Middle Ages, tournaments were regarded as the greatest test of a warrior's skill and valour; an idea reinforced by the prominent place that it occupied in popular Arthurian lore of the era.

As a soldier, Sir John had a long and distinguished career, serving in many campaigns. Early in his career, he is known to have served King Richard II in Scotland, fought for the Duke of Lancaster in Brittany, and fought for King Henry IV against Owain Glyndŵr during the Welsh Uprising. Sir John continued his military service for King Henry V and King Henry VI during the Hundred Years' War, most notably during in the battle of Agincourt, where he led the English vanguard on the march from Harfleur. He also served as a diplomat to the Armagnacs in France for his brother-in-law, Henry IV. Sir John held great favor through his relation and service to Henry IV, Henry V, and Henry VI.

Sir John amassed a considerable fortune and a great deal of land during his lifetime. He accomplished this through his marriage with Elizabeth, victories in tournaments, and the spoils of war. At the battle of Agincourt, Sir John captured Guillebert de Lannoy, and Louis, Count of Vendôme, whom he ransomed for large sums for money; and from 1429–1432, Henry VI granted custody of Charles, Duke of Orléans to Sir John. He profited greatly from the ransoms of prisoners, and used the spoils to build Ampthill Castle, and to buy Oyster Hill Manor from the Mayor of London, William Walworth. Sir John also became heavily involved in the mercantile community in London.

King Henry IV made Sir John Cornewaille a Knight of the Garter in 1409. He was created Baron Fanhope and a member of the King’s Privy Council on July 17, 1433, and Baron Milbroke on January 30, 1442, by King Henry VI. Sir John’s titles became extinct on his death, as he left no legitimate issue.