James de Chudleigh

James Chudleigh (b. ~1331, d. 1401–1402) was an English knight, Sheriff of Devon, royal servant, nobleman and landowner. He was one of the most important noblemen below peerage rank in Devon in the last two decades of the 14th century. Chudleigh lived roughly 70 years during the height of the Black Death and the start of the Hundred Years' War.

Career He began as a combat squire and served in this capacity for many years probably originally lacking sufficient wealth to be considered a knight. Chudleigh was called into the Scrope v Grosvenor case of 1389 in which he stated that he fought in the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, serving as a squire; he also served under John of Gaunt in Spain in his failed invasion of 1386. His participation in the battle of Poiters under Edward Despenser, 1st Baron Despenser is confirmed by a letter of protection (TNA, C76/56, m. 31).

Personal life His third marriage was to Joan Champernon.