Henry Neville (Gentleman of the Privy Chamber) facts for kids

Sir Henry Neville (born around 1520, died 1593) was an important person in the court of King Henry VIII. He lived at Billingbear House in Berkshire, England. He was a 'Gentleman of the Privy Chamber,' which meant he was a trusted helper and advisor to the King.

Who Was Sir Henry Neville's Family?

Sir Henry Neville came from a very important family. His father was Sir Edward Neville, who lived in Addington Park in Kent. His mother was Eleanor, whose father was Andrew Windsor, 1st Baron Windsor.

Sir Henry's father was the younger brother of George Neville, 5th Baron Bergavenny. Another uncle was Sir Thomas Nevill, who was the Speaker of the House of Commons. The Neville family was known for being noble and having a long history in Britain.

Sir Henry Neville's Career in the Royal Court

Sir Henry Neville got a job in the King's private rooms, called the Privy Chamber. This was surprising because his father had faced serious accusations in 1538. His father was accused of supporting Reginald Pole, who was seen as an enemy of King Henry VIII. Even with this family history, Sir Henry still managed to get a good position.

In 1542, Neville worked with the French ambassador, Charles de Marillac. However, he didn't stay in diplomatic service for long. By 1546, he was working as a 'Groom of the Privy Chamber.' This role meant he was a personal attendant to the King.

Becoming a Knight and Sheriff

Sir Henry Neville was promoted to 'Gentleman of the Privy Chamber' in 1550. This was an even more important role, showing he was trusted by the King. He was made a knight on October 11, 1551. Later, in 1572, he was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Berkshire. This was a top law enforcement role in his home county.

Sir Henry was King Henry VIII's godson. The King liked him so much that he was one of the people who witnessed the King's will. He even received a gift from the King in the will.

Working with Important Leaders

In 1551, Sir Henry Neville spoke at the trial of Stephen Gardiner. He shared how much King Henry VIII disliked the bishop. Neville was also close to John Dudley and Sir Henry Sidney. John Dudley helped him get promoted during the time King Edward VI was on the throne.

When Queen Mary I became queen, many Protestants, like Neville, left England. But he came back when Elizabeth I became queen. He continued his career, holding different jobs in Berkshire, where he lived at Billingbear House. He worked until his death on January 13, 1593.

Sir Henry Neville was buried in the church at Waltham St Lawrence in Berkshire. There is a special monument there. It shows Sir Henry, his second wife Elizabeth Gresham, her mother Frances Gresham, and his daughter Elizabeth Gresham.

Sir Henry Neville's Marriages and Children

Sir Henry Neville was married three times.

First Marriage

His first marriage was to Winifred Losse. They married between 1551 and 1555. Winifred passed away around 1561. She was the daughter of Hugh Losse, who bought and sold properties in London. Sir Henry and Winifred did not have any children together.

Second Marriage

Neville's second marriage was to Elizabeth Gresham by 1561. Elizabeth was the granddaughter of Sir Richard Gresham, who was once the Lord Mayor of London. Elizabeth was the only daughter of John Gresham.

Sir Henry and Elizabeth had several children together:

• Henry
• Edward
• Francis
• William
• Katherine

Katherine married a man named Edmund Doyley.

Third Marriage

Around May 1578, Sir Henry Neville married for the third time to Elizabeth Bacon. Elizabeth was a widow. She was the oldest daughter of Sir Nicholas Bacon, who was a very important official to Queen Elizabeth.

After Sir Henry Neville died, his widow Elizabeth married again in 1595 to Sir William Peryam. Elizabeth made her last will in 1618 and passed away in 1621. There is a monument for her in the church of St Mary's in Henley-on-Thames.

See also

• House of Neville