Henry Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Essex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Henry Bourchier |
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| Henry Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Essex, after 1825 watercolour portrait by Sarah Bazett (d.1838) ("Sarah, Countess of Essex"), published in "Memoirs of the Court of Queen Elizabeth", by Lucy Aikin, 1825 edition | |
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| Reign | 1483–1540 |
| Predecessor | Henry Bourchier, 1st Earl of Essex |
| Successor | Essex extinct Anne Bourchier, 7th Baroness Bourchier |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Say Mary Blount |
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| Anne Bourchier, 7th Baroness Bourchier | |
| Noble family | Bourchier |
| Father | William Bourchier, Viscount Bourchier |
| Mother | Anne Woodville |
| Died | 13 March 1539 |
Henry Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Essex (died 13 March 1539) was an important English soldier and nobleman. He served both King Henry VII and King Henry VIII during their reigns. He held several important titles, including Earl of Essex and Baron Bourchier. Henry Bourchier married Mary Say and they had one daughter, Anne, who became his only heir.
Contents
A Life of Service: Henry Bourchier
His Family and Early Life
Henry Bourchier was born sometime after 1472. His parents were William Bourchier, Viscount Bourchier and Anne Woodville. Through his mother, he was related to Elizabeth Woodville, who was the queen of King Edward IV.
When his grandfather, Henry Bourchier, 1st Earl of Essex, passed away in 1483, Henry inherited his titles. These included the 2nd Earl of Essex and 6th Baron Bourchier. He was also the 3rd Count of Eu and 2nd Viscount Bourchier. Henry Bourchier married twice. Around 1512, he married Mary Say. After her death in 1535, he married Mary Blount in 1536.
Serving the King: Henry VII
Henry Bourchier was a trusted advisor to King Henry VII. He was part of the King's Privy Council, which was a group of important people who advised the monarch.
In 1492, he was involved in the Siege of Boulogne, a military attack on the French city. Five years later, in 1497, he led a group of soldiers against rebels at Blackheath.
Serving the King: Henry VIII
When King Henry VIII became king, Henry Bourchier continued to serve the Crown. He was made the captain of the King's new bodyguard.
Important Battles and Meetings
In 1513, Henry Bourchier led the cavalry (soldiers on horseback) at the Battle of the Spurs. During this battle, he ordered a charge that helped defeat the French soldiers. He was also present at the sieges of Terouanne and Tournai in the same year.
The following year, he was appointed the Chief Captain of the King's forces. In 1520, he joined King Henry VIII's group for a famous meeting in France. This meeting was with the French king at the Field of the Cloth of Gold. At this grand event, Henry Bourchier had the honor of carrying the special Sword of State.
Final Years and Legacy
In 1521, Henry Bourchier was one of the judges in a court case. The case was against Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham, who was accused of going against the king. After the Duke was found guilty, Henry Bourchier received some of his lands as a reward.
Sadly, in March 1539, Henry Bourchier had an accident. He fell from his horse and broke his neck, which led to his death. He was buried at Little Easton church in Essex.
Since Henry Bourchier did not have any sons, his titles of Earl and Count ended with him. However, his daughter Anne inherited his title of Baroness. Anne later married William Parr, who was the brother of Queen Katherine Parr. William Parr was later given the title of Earl of Essex in 1543.
