John de Vere was the 13th Earl of Oxford, a prominent English nobleman born in 1442. He played a significant role during the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne. As a supporter of the Lancastrian cause, he was involved in various battles and political maneuvers of the time. De Vere was known for his loyalty and military leadership. He served under King Henry VI and later aligned with Edward IV after the latter's rise to power. His influence extended beyond the battlefield, as he was also a key figure in the politics of the Tudor period.