Bernard Brocas (rebel) facts for kids

Sir Bernard Brocas (born around 1354 – died 1400) was an important English knight and landowner. He was involved in a plot to bring back King Richard II and was sadly executed for it.

A Young Knight's Life

Bernard Brocas was born around 1354. His father, also named Bernard Brocas, was a close friend of Edward, the Black Prince. This meant young Bernard probably knew the Black Prince's son, who later became King Richard II.

Bernard inherited land from his mother. By 1385, he was an esquire, which was a knight's assistant. By 1390, he became a knight himself, serving the King.

Serving the King

In 1395, Bernard inherited his father's lands. He also took over a special job: Master of the Buckhounds. This meant he was in charge of the King's hunting dogs. He also helped manage lands for important people like William Scrope.

Bernard spent a lot of time in Hampshire. In 1396, he became a JP. This meant he helped keep law and order in the area.

The Epiphany Rising

In 1400, a big change happened in England. Henry IV had taken the throne from King Richard II. Sir Bernard Brocas joined a secret plan called the Epiphany Rising. The goal was to kill Henry IV and put Richard II back on the throne.

However, the plot was discovered. The people involved were chased from Windsor Castle. Sir Bernard was caught in Cirencester. He was sent to the Tower of London.

Trial and Execution

In the Tower, Sir Bernard was put on trial for treason. This means he was accused of betraying his country. On February 4, he was found guilty. The next day, February 5, 1400, he was executed. He was buried in the Franciscan church of Greyfriars, London.

Family Life

Before 1380, Sir Bernard married a woman named Joan (who died in 1429). They lived at Beaurepaire in Hampshire. They had six children, including:

• the elder son William Brocas (born around 1379 – died 1456), who became a MP for Hampshire.
• a younger son Bernard Brocas (died around 1431), who also became an MP for Hampshire.
• the eldest daughter Catherine Brocas, who married Sir Robert Delamare.

When someone was found guilty of treason, their lands and goods usually went to the King. But King Henry IV was kind to Sir Bernard's family. Just ten days after the execution, he let Joan, Bernard's widow, keep her husband's belongings. Later that year, their elder son William was given back the family lands.