Adam de Harvington facts for kids
Adam de Harvington, also known as Adam de Herwynton (born around 1270 – died around 1345), was an important government official and judge in the 1300s. He had a very successful career, working for the King in both England and Ireland. He held important jobs like the head of the King's money department in Ireland (Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer) and the main money manager for all of England (Chancellor of the Exchequer). He became quite wealthy during his life.
Contents
Adam's Family and Home
Adam got his name from his hometown, Harvington, in Worcestershire, England. His father was William de Harvington. Adam likely lived at Harvington Hall, which he rented from the powerful Earl of Warwick. It's believed he passed away there.
He had a strong connection to Pershore Abbey, a large church. William de Harvington, who was the Abbot (head) of Pershore Abbey from 1307 to 1340, was Adam's cousin. Adam was later named as William's heir, meaning he inherited from him.
Adam's Career Journey
Adam's rise to important jobs was helped by Guy de Beauchamp, 10th Earl of Warwick (who died in 1315). The Earl likely helped Adam get his first big job as Deputy Chamberlain of the Exchequer (the King's money department) in 1298. The Earl also convinced King Edward I to give Adam the manor (a large estate) of Talton in 1303.
Adam was very loyal to the Earl of Warwick. He was chosen to help carry out the Earl's wishes after he died in 1315. Adam even wrote in his own will how grateful he was to the Earl.
Adam also worked for the church in Worcester. In 1305, he traveled overseas with the Bishop of Worcester. In the 1320s, he often acted as the Bishop's main assistant.
He also sometimes worked for another powerful family, the Mortimers. In 1304, Margaret Fiennes, Baroness Mortimer, asked Adam to be her lawyer. He helped her get back her dowry (money or property given by a bride's family) and other properties that belonged to her late husband.
Working in Ireland
After the Earl of Warwick passed away, Adam found a new supporter in Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, who was King Edward I's nephew. Adam became the Keeper of the Rolls of the Bench (a court record keeper) in 1314. He also served as a Commissioner, helping to investigate and decide legal cases between 1314 and 1322.
Even when his new supporter, the Earl of Lancaster, faced trouble, Adam's career wasn't stopped for long. He was seen as a valuable and hardworking official for the King. In 1324, he was sent to Ireland to be the Chief Baron of the Exchequer, which meant he was in charge of the King's money matters there.
He also briefly held the top jobs of Chancellor of the Exchequer of Ireland and Lord High Treasurer of Ireland in 1325–1326. He was trusted with managing important property and making sure everything was accounted for. Adam returned to England in 1327 to become the Chancellor of the Exchequer, a very important role in managing the country's finances.
Adam's Later Years
Around 1330, Adam retired and returned to his home county of Worcestershire. His main properties there were Harvington Hall and Frankley. In his final years, he was a generous supporter of Pershore Abbey.
Some records suggest he died in 1337, but this is likely too early. He was described as the heir of his cousin, Abbot Walter, who died in 1340. Adam also transferred some land in 1342, so he must have been alive then. He was definitely deceased by 1346.
In his will, Adam left money to Pershore Abbey. This money was meant to build a special chapel where prayers would be said for his soul and for the soul of his first supporter, Guy, Earl of Warwick. He also helped Halesowen Abbey in Shropshire.
Images for kids
-
Harvington, Worcestershire, Adam's birthplace, present day
-
Pershore Abbey, where Adam's cousin was the Abbot, and Adam helped the Abbey
-
Frankley, Worcestershire, present-day; Adam held the manor of Frankley
-
Harvington Hall
