Henry de Bohun, 1st Earl of Hereford facts for kids

The Bohun family's coat of arms, used around 1200-1215.

What's left of Pleshey Castle in Essex, Henry de Bohun's main home.

The Bohun family's coat of arms, drawn by Matthew Paris.

Henry de Bohun, 1st Earl of Hereford (born 1176 – died 1 June 1220) was an important nobleman. He lived at Pleshy Castle in Essex, England. From 1199, he held the important job of Hereditary Constable of England. This meant he was a chief officer of the King's household and army.

Becoming an Earl

Henry de Bohun came from a powerful family. His grandmother was Margaret of Hereford. She was the daughter of Miles of Gloucester, 1st Earl of Hereford. Miles was a very important person in his time.

In 1199, King John made Henry de Bohun the Earl of Hereford. This was a very high title. He also became the Constable of England. Most of his family's lands were near the border with Wales, called the Welsh Marches. Because of this, the Bohun family became very important among the powerful lords in that area.

Magna Carta and Conflict

In 1215, Henry de Bohun was chosen as one of twenty-five barons. These barons were picked to make sure King John followed the rules of the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta was a very important document. It limited the king's power and protected the rights of his subjects.

Because he stood against the king, the Pope removed Henry from the Church. This was called being excommunicated. After the Magna Carta was signed, a civil war broke out in England. Henry supported King Louis VIII of France. He was captured during a battle in Lincoln in 1217.

Family Life

Henry de Bohun married a woman named Maud de Mandeville. She was the daughter of Geoffrey Fitz Peter, 1st Earl of Essex. They had several children together:

• Humphrey IV de Bohun (1204-1275) was their oldest son. He became the 2nd Earl of Hereford. He was also made the 1st Earl of Essex in 1239. Humphrey married Maud de Lusignan. They had at least three children.
• Henry de Bohun, who sadly died when he was young.
• Ralph de Bohun.

His Death

Henry de Bohun died in June 1220. He was on a crusade to the Holy Land when he passed away.

Sources

• Cokayne, G. (ed. by V. Gibbs). Complete Peerage of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom. London:1887-1896, H-457-459