Bartholomew Badlesmere, 1st Baron Badlesmere facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bartholomew Badlesmere, 1st Baron Badlesmere
1st Baron Badlesmere
Arms of Badlesmere: Argent, a fess between two bars gemeles gules. As blazoned for Sir Gunselm de Badlesmere, on the Herald's Roll of Arms also on The Camden Roll & St George's Roll
Tenure	1309-1322
Successor	Giles Badlesmere
Born	1275
Died	14 April 1322 Blean near Canterbury
Nationality	English
Residence	Leeds Castle, Chilham Castle
Offices	Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports
Spouse(s)	Margaret Clare
Issue	Margery Badlesmere Maud Badlesmere Elizabeth Badlesmere Giles Badlesmere Margaret Badlesmere
Parents	Gunselm Badlesmere, Joan FitzBernard

Bartholomew de Badlesmere, 1st Baron Badlesmere (born 1275 – died 1322), was an important English soldier, diplomat, and landowner. He was the son of Sir Gunselm de Badlesmere. Bartholomew fought for the English army in France and Scotland during the reigns of Edward I of England and Edward II of England. Sadly, he was executed after joining a rebellion against King Edward II.

Bartholomew's Early Career

Bartholomew's first recorded activities were serving in the royal armies. He fought in Gascony (France) in 1294 and Flanders (Belgium) around 1297. He also took part in many campaigns in Scotland between 1298 and 1319.

Even when he was young, Bartholomew did more than just fight. In 1300, he was part of the group that went with the Earl of Lincoln to Rome. They went to complain to Pope Boniface VIII about problems caused by the Scots.

In 1301, after his father's death, Bartholomew became the official heir to his family's lands. He was 26 years old at the time.

Important Roles and Battles

From 1306 to 1307, Bartholomew represented the county of Kent in the English Parliament. In 1307, he became the governor of Bristol Castle. He later helped the King take control of Bristol when the city rebelled in 1316.

In 1310, Bartholomew acted as a deputy for the Constable of England. This was a very important military role. He also fought at the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. He was part of the Earl of Gloucester's group. Many people criticized Bartholomew because he didn't help the Earl when he was killed during a brave but risky attack.

In 1316, Bartholomew was one of four people allowed to offer safe passage to Robert the Bruce and other Scots. This was so they could come to England to discuss a truce. Later that year, he went on a special trip to see Pope John XXII. He asked the Pope for help against the Scots and to free the King from some promises he had made.

Family and Castles

In June 1316, Bartholomew's daughter, Elizabeth, married Edward, the son of Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March. Bartholomew was wealthy enough to pay a large sum for this marriage.

In 1317, King Edward II made Bartholomew the keeper of Leeds Castle in Kent. The King later gave Bartholomew the castle and its lands permanently. In return, Bartholomew gave the King some of his own land in Shropshire.

Bartholomew also became part of a group of noblemen and church leaders. This group, sometimes called the "Middle Party," wanted to reduce the influence of advisors they didn't like, such as the Despensers. Even though he strongly disliked Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, Bartholomew helped make peace between the King and the Earl in 1318.

In 1318, Bartholomew became the King's household steward. This was a very important job because it meant he was always close to the King. He also had a lot of power over who could see the King. He held this position until 1321.

In 1320, Bartholomew hosted King Edward II and his group at Chilham Castle. The King was on his way to France at the time. Also in 1320, Bartholomew was given control of Dover Castle and became the Warden of the Cinque Ports. In 1321, he was made governor of Tunbridge Castle.

Rebellion Against the King

By the summer of 1321, Bartholomew decided to go against the King. He joined forces with the Earl of Lancaster and other nobles who opposed King Edward II's "evil councillors," like the Despensers. These rebel forces marched from the north of England to London.

In the autumn, the King began to target Bartholomew. This was probably because Bartholomew's lands were closer to London. The King was also angry that his own household steward was being disloyal. Edward took control of Dover Castle and told Bartholomew not to enter Kent. Bartholomew ignored this order.

The Queen later tried to enter Leeds Castle, which was controlled by Bartholomew's wife, Margaret de Clare. Margaret refused to let her in, which led to a siege of the castle. You can read more about this in the article about Bartholomew's wife.

Bartholomew gathered his own army and marched towards Kent. However, it became clear that the Earl of Lancaster would not send help. So, Bartholomew could not break the siege. Over the next few months, a civil war broke out in England.

In December 1321, the King ordered Bartholomew's arrest. The King even offered safe passage to other rebels if they surrendered, but he specifically excluded Bartholomew de Badlesmere.

Arrest warrants show Bartholomew and his allies moving across England. They burned the town of Bridgnorth and attacked castles at Elmley and Hanley. On March 16, 1322, the Earl of Lancaster and his allies were defeated at the Battle of Boroughbridge.

Bartholomew's Death

After the defeat at Boroughbridge, Bartholomew fled south. He was captured near Brickden (possibly Buckden) or Stow Park. Stow Park was a home of his nephew, the Bishop of Lincoln.

Bartholomew was put on trial in Canterbury on April 14, 1322. He was sentenced to death. On the same day, he was dragged three miles behind a horse to Blean, where he owned land. There, he was executed. Some historical records suggest he was buried at White Friars in Canterbury.

Bartholomew's Properties

By the end of his life, Bartholomew owned many properties across England, either by himself or with his wife Margaret. Because he rebelled against the King, all these properties were taken away.

However, after King Edward III came to power, many of these properties were given back to Bartholomew's widow, Margaret. Others were given to his son, Giles, who was still a child under the King's care.

Bartholomew owned lands in many counties, including:

• Bedfordshire
• Buckinghamshire
• Essex
• Gloucestershire
• Herefordshire (including Lenhales Castle)
• Hertfordshire
• Kent (including Chilham Castle and Leeds Castle)
• Oxfordshire
• Shropshire
• Suffolk
• Sussex
• Wiltshire

Bartholomew's Family

Bartholomew married Margaret de Clare. She was the widow of Gilbert Umfraville. Their marriage took place by June 1308. Margaret was the daughter of Thomas de Clare, Lord of Thomond.

Bartholomew and Margaret had several children:

• Margery de Badlesmere, who married William de Ros, 2nd Baron de Ros.
• Maud de Badlesmere, who married Robert FitzPayn, and later John de Vere, 7th Earl of Oxford.
• Elizabeth de Badlesmere, who married Sir Edmund Mortimer, and later William de Bohun, 1st Earl of Northampton.
• Giles de Badlesmere, 2nd Baron Badlesmere, who married Elizabeth Montagu. He died without having children.
• Margaret de Badlesmere, who married John Tiptoft, 2nd Baron Tibetot.