George Brediman facts for kids
George Brediman (died 1580) was an English courtier who worked for two queens: Mary I of England and Elizabeth I. A courtier is someone who attends a royal court as an advisor or companion to the monarch. George Brediman was a special assistant called a groom of the privy chamber, meaning he worked closely with the queen in her private rooms. His wife, Edith Brediman, was also a court helper, known as a chamberer, who assisted the queen with personal tasks.
Working for Queen Mary I
Queen Mary I trusted George Brediman with important jobs. She made him the Keeper of the Royal Park of Freemantle, which was near Hannington and Kingsclere. His job included making sure the wild animals in the park had food during winter.
The Queen also gave him several rewards. In 1557, he received the manor of Podington, which was a large estate, and a lease (permission to use) Brook Hall at Tolleshunt Knights. He was also given the responsibility of looking after a young heir named Edmund Brockelsby. Brediman was even granted the right to collect taxes from markets and fairs in three Welsh border towns: Builth, Presteigne, and Elvell.
Queen Mary also allowed Brediman to use some beautiful tapestries. These were large woven wall hangings. One set had a "broad bloom" design with birds and apples. Another set featured roses and pomegranates in the corners. The pomegranate was a special symbol for Catherine of Aragon, Queen Mary's mother. These tapestries might have been made by an artist named Cornelius van der Strete. They were so important that they were listed in an inventory of Henry VIII, Queen Mary's father.
In 1556, George Brediman married Edith Brocas, who was one of Queen Mary's chamberers. For New Year's Day in 1557, Queen Mary gave Edith a valuable gift: a fancy gilt salt shaker. Edith was also rewarded for taking care of Queen Mary during her final illness in October 1558. Edith even signed her name in a special prayer book, a Book of Hours, that once belonged to King Henry VII. She wrote a short message under a picture: "In all tyme of neccessitye: with your prayer remember me Edeth Bredyman."
Serving Queen Elizabeth I
Even after Queen Mary died, George Brediman continued his important work for the new queen, Elizabeth I. Queen Mary had made him the Keeper of Westminster Palace and York Place. This job meant he was in charge of these royal buildings, including houses used by royal craftsmen, gardens, orchards, and even a tennis court!
As Keeper for Queen Elizabeth, he was also responsible for the Wardrobe of Robes. This was where all the queen's clothes and fabrics were stored. This wardrobe was located at both Whitehall and Westminster, but it was essentially the same collection. Brediman was in charge of giving out fabrics for royal parties and plays (called "revels"). He also provided textiles to Katherine Astley for the queen's own use and to the queen's tailor, Walter Fyshe.
In October 1559, Brediman was given a very important task: he sent £3000 to Ralph Sadler in Berwick-upon-Tweed. This money was meant to be used to reward Scottish people who helped promote peace with England.
George Brediman also helped with royal entertainment. In 1579, he supplied the fabric needed for the costumes in a play called The Masque of Amazons. This play was performed at Richmond Palace.
George Brediman passed away in 1580. After his death, Thomas Knyvet took over his role as Keeper of Westminster Palace and the Wardrobe of Robes.
George Brediman's wife, Edith, and their son, Edmund, survived him. Edith lived in Tingrith. George Brediman was buried at St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London. His son Edmund had been baptized there in 1561. Edith Brediman was later buried at St Edmund's Chapel inside Westminster Abbey.
