John Kendal

Who is John Kendal?

John Kendal was secretary to Richard III of England. He was killed in the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 whilst fighting in the King's army.

Believed to be born in Appleby-in-Westmorland, England. Under Richard III's reign, he acquired land in York, and became the first to receive the Honorary Freedom of the city of York, essentially, the title of a 'Freeman'

Although little is known of his immediate family, he is possibly a direct descendant of the famous Westmorland grammarian Richard Kendal.

He held many titles during Richard's short reign, as B. P. Wolffe describes succinctly: "king's cofferer and clerk of the works to Edward IV, secretary to Richard, duke of Gloucester, king's secretary and keeper of the mint to Richard II, much employed as a receiver of king's lands by Richard III."