John Arundell (1366–1435)


John Arundell, called The Magnificent, of Lanherne in the parish of St Mawgan in Pydar in Cornwall, was an English knight who inherited large estates in the County of Cornwall. He was Sheriff of Cornwall and was one of Henry IV of England’s Kings Knights. In his will dated 1433, he bequeathed money for the preservation of the head of St Piran in the chapel at Perranzabuloe.

Career

John Arundell was knighted in 1399 at the coronation of Henry IV of England. In February 1405, as ‘King’s knight’, Arundell was appointed as Captain of Marck, one of the Calais outposts, this included the castle and town with all lands, fisheries, franchises and perquisites outside the liberty of Calais were granted to him for life.
He served in the navy 1418–19; married Annora Lambourn of Perranzabuloe, which brought to the Arundells several more Cornish manors. He was Sheriff of Cornwall four times and a member for the Cornwall 1422–23.

Marriage and issue

John Arundell married Annorah Lambourne, daughter of Sir William Lambourne.
Arundell made financial arrangements in his will that would maintain a chantry of five chaplains and a clerk at St Columb Major. The condition of this arrangement was that they would continue to pray for the souls of Arundell, and his kindred. He also left money to build a chapel in the parish church of St Columb Major to house his own tomb. He died on 11 January 1435 and his will was proved on 7 June.