Francis Bryan facts for kids

Sir Francis Bryan (born around 1490 – died February 2, 1550) was an important English courtier and diplomat during the time of King Henry VIII. A courtier was someone who spent a lot of time at the royal court, advising the king and helping with royal duties. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in talks with other countries. Sir Francis was a top gentleman in the King's private rooms and also a chief judge in Ireland. He was known for always staying on King Henry's good side. He did this by changing his opinions to match what the king wanted. Because he changed his mind about his cousin, Anne Boleyn, when she faced trouble, some people called him the Vicar of Hell.

Sir Francis Bryan's Career

Early Life and Royal Service

Francis Bryan was the son of Sir Thomas Bryan and Margaret Bourchier. He came to the royal court when he was quite young. There, he became one of "the King's minions" along with his brother-in-law, Nicholas Carew. This group of young gentlemen had a lot of influence with King Henry. They were also known for sometimes behaving badly.

The king rewarded Francis Bryan for their friendship. He received many important jobs. These included Master of the Toils from 1518 to 1548. He was also Constable of several castles, like Hertford and Harlech. He became a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber by 1521. In 1522, he was made a knight for his bravery. This happened during a battle to capture a town called Morlaix in Brittany.

Challenges and Return to Favor

In 1519, Bryan and another courtier, Sir Edward Neville, caused trouble. During a trip to Paris, they threw eggs and stones at common people. Because of this, Sir Francis was removed from the Privy Chamber in 1519. He was removed again in 1526 as part of new rules called the Eltham Ordinances.

Soon after, he lost an eye during a tournament at Greenwich. A tournament was a medieval contest where knights fought, often with lances. From then on, he had to wear an eyepatch. In 1528, a spot opened up in the Privy Chamber. Bryan returned to fill it, possibly with help from his cousin, Anne Boleyn. After this, he became very influential. He was one of the king's favorite friends. He also became a leader in the group that wanted to reduce the power of Cardinal Wolsey.

Diplomatic Missions and Parliament

Sir Francis Bryan was sent on many important trips overseas. These trips were to talk with leaders from other countries. He also served in the Parliament of England. He represented Buckinghamshire in 1529, 1539, 1542, and 1545.

Bryan was related to several important people. He was a half-cousin to both Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. He was also a half-second cousin to Jane Seymour. He helped Jane Seymour's family, which was not as well-known as the Boleyns.

Later Years and New Roles

Sir Francis remained a good friend of the King. King Henry even stopped trying to win over a lady when he heard Bryan was interested in her. By 1536, Bryan was working with Thomas Cromwell against his cousin, Anne Boleyn. Cromwell was a powerful advisor to the King. Cromwell himself gave Bryan the nickname "The Vicar of Hell." He used this name in a letter because Bryan had stopped supporting Anne.

After Anne Boleyn died, Bryan became the chief Gentleman of the Privy Chamber. However, he was removed from this job in 1539. This happened when Cromwell turned against his former friends. Sir Francis returned to favor after Cromwell lost power. He became a vice-admiral in the navy. Later, during the rule of King Edward VI, he became a chief judge in Ireland.

Sir Francis Bryan's Character

Bryan was a talented diplomat, soldier, and sailor. He was also a writer and poet. He was known as a "trimmer." This means he would change his opinions to fit what King Henry wanted at the time. However, he was also one of the few people who dared to speak his true thoughts to the king. Sadly, no painting or picture of Sir Francis Bryan exists today.

Sir Francis Bryan's Marriages

Before 1522, Sir Francis married Philippa Spice. She was the daughter of Humphrey Spice. She was also the widow of John Fortescue.

In August 1548, he married Lady Joan Fitzgerald. She was the widow of James Butler, 9th Earl of Ormond. She was also the mother of seven sons. People believe this marriage was a political move. It was meant to stop Joan from marrying her cousin. This marriage was not a happy one. After Bryan died, Lady Joan married her third husband in 1551. He was Gerald FitzGerald, 15th Earl of Desmond, who was much younger than her.

Sir Francis Bryan in Stories

Sir Francis Bryan has appeared in several fictional works.

• He is a character in Hilary Mantel's book Wolf Hall.
• Actor Alan van Sprang plays him in Season 3 of the TV show, The Tudors. In the show, he arrives at court later than he did in real life. He also wears an eyepatch. The show does not mention his family ties to the Boleyns. It also does not show his successes after Anne Boleyn's death.
• In the 2003 TV drama Henry VIII, a character named 'Sir Francis' appears. He has an eyepatch and is an old soldier friend of Henry's.