John Cheyne, Baron Cheyne facts for kids

Sir John Cheyne (born around 1442, died May 30, 1499) was an important person in England during the time of kings Edward IV of England and Henry VII of England. He was the Master of the Horse for King Edward IV, which meant he was in charge of the king's horses and stables. Later, he became a personal bodyguard for King Henry VII. He was also known as Baron Cheyne.

Life and Career

John Cheyne was the second son of John Cheyne from Shurland Hall in Kent. His mother was Eleanor. He was the uncle of Thomas Cheyne, who later became the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.

Serving the King and Queen

In the 1460s, John Cheyne became an Esquire of the body to Elizabeth Woodville, who was King Edward IV's Queen. This meant he was a personal attendant to the Queen. In 1478, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Wiltshire. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's parliament.

The next year, in 1479, he was made Master of the Horse. This was a very important job, overseeing all the king's horses, stables, and travel. In the same year, he married Margaret Chideock.

Important Events and Battles

John Cheyne was present when the Treaty of Picquigny was signed in 1475. This was an agreement between England and France. He stayed behind in France as a hostage for King Louis XI of France. This was to make sure King Edward IV returned safely to England. Also in 1475, he was given the manor of Faulstone. This land had been taken from someone who supported King Henry VI.

After King Edward IV died, Richard III took the crown. John Cheyne then decided to support Henry Tudor's claim to the throne. He joined Henry Tudor when he was living away from England in Brittany. When they returned to England in 1483, Henry knighted him.

John Cheyne fought bravely in the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. This battle was very important because Henry Tudor won and became King Henry VII. During the battle, Richard III made a direct charge towards Henry. John Cheyne was part of Henry's personal bodyguard, protecting him. Richard III knocked him off his horse during this charge.

John Cheyne fought again in the Battle of Stoke in 1487. In 1486, he was made a Knight of the Garter. This is a very high honor given by the monarch. He was also called to parliament as Baron Cheyne.

Later Life and Legacy

In his later years, John Cheyne lived in Enborne in Berkshire. People at the time called him the "Vigorous Knight." He was known for being a very large and strong man. A bone found in his tomb suggests he was about 6 feet 8 inches tall.

John Cheyne did not have any children who lived. His wife passed away before him. After his death, his lands went to his brother William or his brother's son Francis.