Guncelin Badlesmere facts for kids

Sir Guncelin Badlesmere (died 1301) was an important English judge and administrator from Kent. He was also known as Gunselm. He lived during the time of King Edward I and helped manage parts of the kingdom.

Who Was Guncelin Badlesmere?

Guncelin Badlesmere came from a family of knights and judges. They lived in the small village of Badlesmere in Kent, England. He was born before the year 1243. His father was Bartholomew Badlesmere.

Guncelin's Career and Role

Guncelin Badlesmere was a knight who worked for the king. In 1274, he became the Justice of Chester. This was a very important job, like being a chief judge for the area around Chester. He earned a good salary of 67 pounds a year for this role.

A few years later, in 1278, he was also given charge of two important castles: Flint Castle and Rhuddlan Castle. This added another 67 pounds to his yearly pay. He continued as the Justice of Chester until 1281.

Guncelin also traveled overseas for the king in 1285 and 1297. In 1297, he was a witness at a special ceremony. This ceremony took place at Tonbridge Castle. During the event, John Langton was officially given the royal seal. This seal was used to make royal documents official. Langton then became the Lord Chancellor, a very high position in the government.

Guncelin Badlesmere passed away in 1301. He was buried in Badlesmere church. A wooden statue of him was placed there to remember him.

Guncelin's Family

We don't know the name of Guncelin's wife for sure. However, we know he had three children:

• Bartholomew Badlesmere (died 1322): He was Guncelin's oldest son and inherited his father's position. Bartholomew married a woman named Margaret Clare.
• Maud Badlesmere (died before 1345): She married Robert Burghersh, 1st Baron Burghersh.
• Joan Badlesmere (died 1319): She married John Northwood, who was the 1st Baron Northwood. There is a special brass plaque in the church of Minster-in-Sheppey that remembers her.