Exeter, John Holand, 1st duke of

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Exeter, John Holand, 1st duke of (1395–1447). Henry V, in his policy of reconciliation, restored Holand in 1416 to the earldom forfeited in 1400 by his father, the 1st duke. He earned restitution by service in the French war from 1415 to 1421, when he was captured at Baugé. Ransomed for 20,000 marks after five years, his compensation included the king's licence to marry the widow of Edmund Mortimer, earl of March. Holand was again fighting in France from 1429, a joint warden in the Scottish marches in 1435–6, and finally lieutenant of Gascony for six years from 1439. Henry VI created him duke in 1444 and granted that his son would succeed to his offices of admiral of England and constable of the Tower of London.

R. L. Storey

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