Bernard Brocas (soldier and MP) facts for kids
Sir Bernard Brocas (born 1330, died 1395) was an important military leader in England. He fought bravely for King Edward III during the Hundred Years War against France. Sir Bernard was also a good friend of the Black Prince and William of Wykeham.
Early Life and Friendships
Sir Bernard Brocas was born in 1330. His father, Sir John Brocas, was from Clewer in Berkshire. Sir John held an important job as the King's Master of the Horse. This meant he was in charge of the King's horses.
Bernard grew up alongside the Black Prince at Windsor Castle. This was a special time for the castle. A famous architect named William of Wykeham was rebuilding parts of it.
Marriages and Family
Sir Bernard Brocas married three times. His first marriage was to Agnes Vavasour. This marriage ended. Later, the Black Prince wanted Bernard to marry his cousin, Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent. But Joan fell in love with Edward, and they married instead.
To make up for this, the Prince helped Bernard marry Mary des Roches. She was a wealthy heiress and related to Peter des Roches, a powerful Bishop. Sir Bernard had at least five children. One of his sons was Sir Bernard Brocas the Younger.
Military Career
Sir Bernard Brocas was a brave soldier. He fought in some of the most famous battles of the Hundred Years War. These included the Battle of Poitiers, the Battle of Crécy, and the Battle of Nájera.
After a peace treaty called the Peace of Bretigny, Sir Bernard helped manage the region of Aquitaine in France. He was made a Constable there. A story says he captured a King of Morocco, but this is likely not true.
Life in England
Back in England, Sir Bernard Brocas served as the Queen's Chamberlain. This meant he helped Queen Anne of Bohemia with her royal duties.
He owned several homes across England. These included Clewer Brocas Manor in Berkshire. He also had homes at Beaurepaire and Roche Court in Hampshire. Sir Bernard was a strong supporter of Southwick Priory, a religious house.
He held important political roles too. He was the High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 1382. He also served as a Member of Parliament (MP). He was an MP for Wiltshire once. Then he was an MP for Hampshire eight times.
Legacy
Sir Bernard Brocas passed away on September 20, 1395. He was buried in St Edmund's Chapel inside Westminster Abbey. You can still see his beautiful stone monument there today.
His family name, Brocas, lives on. Today, the title Viscount Brocas is one of the titles held by the Earl Jellicoe.
