John de Warenne

In the north choir aisle of Westminster Abbey is a carved shield for John, Earl of Warenne and 6th Earl of Surrey (1231-1304). These shields are traditionally those of individuals or families who were benefactors to Henry III's new Gothic Abbey. The arms are "checky, or and azure". One of the small corbel heads supporting the strap of the shield still remains. He was the son of William de Warenne and Maud, daughter of William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke. His lands centered on Lewes in Sussex but he held many other estates throughout England. On his father's death he became a ward of Henry III. His wife was Alice, daughter of the Count of La Marche and they had three children. He was brother in law to William de Valence (who is buried in the Abbey) and undertook various diplomatic missions. Although he fought for the King at the battle of Lewes he left the field of battle and fled to France. Later he returned to England and after Henry's death and before his son Edward could return to the country from Palestine was one of the custodians of the realm. He was buried in Lewes Priory church.

Further reading

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography 2004