John Sutton, 1st Baron Dudley

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John Sutton, 1st Baron Dudley (December 25, 1400 – September 30, 1487), was Lord Lieutenant of Ireland 1428-30.

He was born at Barton-under-Needwood, Staffordshire, became 1st Baron Dudley and a Knight of the Garter, and died at Stafford, Staffordshire.

His Father was John Sutton Vth.

John 1st Baron Dudley married Elizabeth de Berkeley of Beverstone, sometime after March 14, 1420. The sons of Dudley by this marriage were:

1. Edmund Sutton,
2. John Sutton Dudley Kt. of Atherington.
   
3. William Dudley Bishop Of Durham: (1476-1483)
4. Oliver Dudley.

As Lord Steward in 1422 he brought home the body of King Henry V to England, and was chief mourner and standard bearer at his funeral. He fought in several campaigns throughout the period of the wars with France and was a resolute defender of the House of Lancaster early on in the Wars of the Roses, but changed his allegiance for political safety along with many others later on.

Dudley was summoned to Parliament from February 15, 1440, by writs directed: 'Johanni de Sutton de Duddeley militi', whereby he obtained a Barony by writ as Lord Dudley. He was the first of his family to adopt the surname of Dudley as an alias for Sutton. "John Dudley, Knyght, Lord Dudley" died testate in his 87th year. His will is dated August 17, 1487.

The barony was inherited by his son, Edmund de Sutton, 2nd Baron Dudley, whose son was Edward 2nd lord Dudley.

Battle of St Albans 1455

Found amongst the Lancastrian army at the first Battle of St Albans on 22 May 1455 were John Sutton of Dudley, Worcestershire and his son Edmund Sutton of Dudley, Worcestershire. Lord Dudley was taken prisoner along with King Henry VI.

Battle of Blore Heath 1459

Dudley was present at the Battle of Blore Heath on September 23, 1459, along with his son Edmund Sutton. Dudley was wounded and captured.

Battle of Towton 1461

Lord Dudley was rewarded after the battle for his participation on the side of Edward, Earl of March, son of Richard, Duke of York. On June 28 of that year, Edward IV was proclaimed King in London.

Battle of Bosworth Field 1485

Following the battle, Dudley was created Sheriff of Sussex by the new King Henry VII.