Giles Daubeney, 1st Baron Daubeney facts for kids

Giles Daubeney, 1st Baron Daubeney (born June 1, 1451 – died May 21, 1508) was an important English soldier, diplomat, and politician. He served in the royal court and was a trusted advisor to King Henry VII. He was also a Knight of the Garter, a very special honor.

Early Life and Family

Giles Daubeney was born in Somerset, England. His father was Sir William Daubeney, who was a Member of Parliament. His mother was Alice Stourton. Giles was the oldest child in his family. He had a brother named James and a sister named Eleanor.

Starting His Career

In 1475, Giles Daubeney traveled to France with King Edward IV. He was a brave soldier, leading four men-at-arms and fifty archers. Soon after, he became one of the king's personal guards. He was also put in charge of the king's park at Petherton.

He became a Member of Parliament for Somerset in 1477. Before King Edward's reign ended, Giles was made a knight. He was also present at the crowning of King Richard III in 1483.

Giles Daubeney later supported Henry Tudor, who wanted to become king. When Henry's plan failed at first, Giles had to escape to Brittany. His lands were taken away, and he lost his titles. This was called being "attainted."

Serving King Henry VII

Giles Daubeney's luck changed when Henry Tudor became King Henry VII in 1485. King Henry reversed the order that took away Giles's lands. Giles became a trusted advisor to the king. This meant he was part of the King's Privy Council.

On November 2, 1485, he was put in charge of the Royal Mint. This was where all the kingdom's coins were made. In 1486, he was made the Lieutenant of Calais for seven years. Calais was an important English town in France. As a reward for his loyalty, he was also made Baron Daubeney. This gave him a special noble title.

Around this time, he also became a Knight of the Garter. This is one of the highest honors a person can receive in England. He attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth of York in 1487. He also helped manage the king's money as a Chamberlain of the Exchequer.

Giles Daubeney also served as an ambassador. This meant he represented England in other countries. In 1488, he helped arrange a marriage treaty. This was for Prince Arthur, King Henry VII's son, to marry Catherine of Aragon from Spain.

Military Actions

Giles Daubeney was a skilled military leader.

• In 1489, he went to Calais and helped stop a siege at Diksmuide. He also captured Ostend from the French.
• In 1490, he helped Duchess Anne of Brittany against France. He led English troops to support her.
• In 1492, he was sent to France again to negotiate a peace treaty. Later that year, he helped King Henry VII besiege Boulogne. A peace treaty was then signed at Étaples.

In 1495, Giles Daubeney became the Lord Chamberlain. This was a very important position in the king's household. He also helped review petitions in Parliament.

In 1497, King Henry VII planned to invade Scotland. Giles Daubeney was chosen to lead the army. However, he was called back to deal with the Cornish Rebellion. Rebels marched to Blackheath, London. Giles fought them and was briefly captured, but the rebels were defeated. This ended the Cornish revolt. Later, when Perkin Warbeck caused trouble in Cornwall, Giles was sent to deal with it.

Later Years and Death

In 1500, Giles Daubeney traveled with King Henry VII to Calais. He was present when the king met Archduke Philip. In 1501, he helped with the arrangements for Catherine of Aragon's arrival in London.

On May 18, 1508, Giles Daubeney became very ill after riding with the king. He was taken to his home in London. He died on May 21, 1508, at the age of 56.

Giles Daubeney was buried in Westminster Abbey. His tomb has statues of him and his wife. Many important people attended his funeral.

Family Life

Giles Daubeney was married to Elizabeth Arundell. She was the daughter of Sir John Arundell. Elizabeth lived for several years after Giles died. She helped raise their son and heir, Henry Daubeney. Henry later became the 2nd Lord Daubeney and the 1st Earl of Bridgewater.

Giles and Elizabeth also had two daughters. Their first daughter, Cecily, married John Bourchier. Their second daughter, Anne, married Alexander Buller.