Robert de Vere Oxford

Oxford, Robert de Vere, 9th earl of (1362-92). According to a chronicler, the 9th earl was one of the young men brought up with Richard II who plotted the death of John of Gaunt in 1384. Richard's favour enriched him; he was raised in the peerage, to marquis of Dublin in 1385 and duke of Ireland in 1386. When Richard was planning to regain control of government in 1387, Oxford raised forces in Cheshire; they were defeated at Radcot Bridge (Oxon.). He was one of the royal favourites indicted in the Merciless Parliament of 1388, but had fled and remained in exile.