Nicholas Brembre facts for kids

Sir Nicholas Brembre was a powerful and wealthy man in 14th-century England. He was a close friend and supporter of King Richard II. Brembre served as the Lord Mayor of London in 1377, and again from 1384 to 1385. He was a grocer by trade and owned large estates in Kent. His strong connection to King Richard II eventually led to his downfall. A group of powerful nobles, known as the Lords Appellant, took control of the government. They removed many of Richard's allies from power. Despite the king's efforts to protect him, Brembre was accused of serious political wrongdoing and lost his life in 1388.

Becoming a Leader in London

Nicholas Brembre's early life is not well known. He might be related to Sir Thomas Brembre, who worked for the king earlier. Brembre first became important in London in 1372. He was an alderman and a Sheriff of the City of London. At this time, the citizens of London were split into two main groups. One group supported John of Gaunt, a powerful duke. The other group, which Brembre joined, was against John of Gaunt.

When King Edward III's reign ended in 1377, the current Lord Mayor was removed. Nicholas Brembre, who was in the opposing group, was chosen to replace him. He took his oath at the Tower of London on March 29, 1377. He was so popular that he was chosen again for the next year.

Political Challenges and Alliances

In 1378, Thomas of Woodstock, the king's uncle, tried to accuse Brembre of wrongdoing. This happened because one of Brembre's followers had caused trouble. However, the issue was settled without a major problem. For several years, Brembre worked as a customs collector for the port of London. He even worked with the famous writer Geoffrey Chaucer.

Brembre's political group was strong among the larger trade companies, especially the grocers and fishmongers. They wanted to keep control of the city's decisions. This group also supported King Richard II's policies. During the Peasants' Revolt in 1381, Brembre stood with the king. He helped the king at Smithfield and was made a knight for his loyalty.

Brembre was also involved in the king's finances. He was called to Parliament in 1382 to discuss how to get money for the country. His main rival was John Northampton, who was Lord Mayor for two years. But in 1383, Brembre was elected Lord Mayor again. This election was very forceful, with many people supporting him.

Accusations and Downfall

In 1384, a riot started by John Northampton's supporters broke out. Brembre quickly arrested a leader of the riot. Later, in 1386, several trade companies accused Brembre of acting like a tyrant during his time as Lord Mayor. They claimed he was too harsh, especially in punishing rioters.

They also said he used force to get re-elected in 1384. They claimed he filled the Guildhall with armed men. These men reportedly shouted and threatened people to ensure Brembre's victory. The accusers felt that the mayor's office was taken by force. In 1386, Brembre helped his friend, Nicholas Exton, become Lord Mayor.

While he was Lord Mayor in 1384, Brembre helped bring down his rival, John de Northampton. Brembre used accusations of political wrongdoing against him. Even though powerful nobles like Thomas of Woodstock accused Brembre of plotting against them, he managed to avoid trouble for a while. In 1386, King Richard II even brought Brembre into his special council. Throughout 1387, Brembre continued to support King Richard in London.

Trial and End of Life

On November 14, 1387, the Lords Appellant accused Brembre and four other royal advisors of treason. When the citizens of London refused to support him, Brembre fled. He was later captured and held in prison. On January 28, 1388, he was moved to the Tower of London.

The Parliament, known as the Merciless Parliament, met on February 3. The five advisors, including Brembre, were formally accused by the Lords Appellant. Brembre was called a "false knight of London." He was specifically accused of taking 22 prisoners from Newgate prison and punishing them severely without a proper trial.

On February 17, Brembre was brought before Parliament. He said he was innocent of all charges. He asked for a special knight's trial, but this was refused. Even though the king tried to support him, many people in Parliament opposed the king's wishes. Brembre was sentenced on February 20. He was ordered to be taken through London and put to death. His life ended due to the political conflict.

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See also

• List of Sheriffs of the City of London
• List of Lord Mayors of London