War of The Roses
His father Lionel de Welles was killed at Towton in 1461 and his elder half-brother Richard became the 7th Baron; however he was beheaded in 1470. Richard's son and heir Robert, 8th Baron was also executed. The attainder of those two prevented John inheriting the barony.
A pardon in 1478 did not prevent him from participating in Buckingham's rebellion. He escaped to his nephew in Brittany after its collapse. Henry knighted him on 7 August 1485 and was created Viscount before 1 September 1487 and given substantial grants.
Read more about this topic: Viscount Welles
Famous quotes containing the words war and/or roses:
“In peace the sons bury their fathers, but in war the fathers bury their sons.”
—Croesus (d. c. 560 B.C.)
“Say that she rail, why then Ill tell her plain
She sings as sweetly as a nightingale.
Say that she frown, Ill say she looks as clear
As morning roses newly washed with dew.
Say she be mute, and will not speak a word,
Then Ill commend her volubility,
And say she uttereth piercing eloquence.”
—William Shakespeare (15641616)