Michael de la Pole

Pole, Michael de la (c.1330-89). Son of William de la Pole (d. 1366), merchant of Hull and a major financier of Edward III's campaigns in France, Michael served the crown in various military and diplomatic capacities before becoming chancellor of England in 1383. He enjoyed the favour of Richard II, being created earl of Suffolk in 1385. When Richard lost control of the government in 1386, Pole was impeached for supposed malpractices concerning the French war which was going badly. Stripped of all his lands and honours he died in exile in Paris in September 1389.