Nicholas Vaux, 1st Baron Vaux of Harrowden facts for kids

Arms of Nicholas Vaux, 1st Baron Vaux of Harrowden: Chequy argent and gules, on a chevron azure, three roses or.

Nicholas Vaux, 1st Baron Vaux of Harrowden (born around 1460, died 1523) was an important soldier and courtier in England. He was also one of the first members of the British House of Commons. His parents, Sir William Vaux and Katherine Penyson, were loyal to the House of Lancaster during a time of great change in England. Katherine was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Margaret of Anjou. Nicholas grew up during the time when the House of York ruled. Later, he served under King Henry VII, who started the Tudor dynasty.

A Loyal Family

Nicholas Vaux's mother, Katherine, was very loyal to Queen Margaret of Anjou. She stayed with the Queen even when others left the Lancastrian side. Katherine's husband, Sir William Vaux, lost his property and rights in 1461. He later died in battle at Tewkesbury.

Despite these hard times, Katherine Vaux remained devoted to her Queen. She stayed with Queen Margaret when she was held in the Tower of London. When the Queen was released in 1476, Katherine went with her into exile. She lived with the Queen until Margaret died six years later.

Nicholas and his sister, Joan, did not share their mother's difficult times. Instead, they were raised by Lady Margaret Beaufort. She was the mother of the future King Henry VII. Even though their father had lost his property, King Edward IV gave back two family estates. These were meant to help support Nicholas and his sister.

Katherine's loyalty was rewarded after Henry VII won the Battle of Bosworth. Nicholas Vaux, who was supported by Lady Margaret Beaufort, likely fought in this battle. After Henry VII became king, Nicholas's father's property and rights were given back. Soon after, Nicholas was appointed to help keep the peace in his home county.

Serving the King

Nicholas Vaux fought for King Henry VII in important battles like Stoke and Blackheath. He was knighted on the battlefield for his bravery in both fights. He was very active in local government. He also often attended important events at court, both in England and abroad. In 1511, he even hosted King Henry VIII at his home in Harrowden.

Nicholas Vaux was especially known as a soldier and a diplomat. He was given an important command at Guisnes. He showed great skill during the Tournai campaign in 1513. He also helped with talks with the French King about England leaving the area. He worked on several royal marriage agreements too.

Later, he helped plan the famous meeting called the Field of the Cloth of Gold. His sister, Joan, also benefited from the new royal family. She joined the royal household and became a governess to Henry VII's daughters. She married two important knights, Sir Richard Guildford and Sir Anthony Poyntz.

Nicholas Vaux was a natural choice to be a member of Parliament. We know he was a Member in 1515. On this occasion, he helped deliver important documents from the House of Commons to the Lords. He likely represented his home area of Northamptonshire. He was later appointed to help collect taxes in Northamptonshire, which he had helped to approve.

Missions to France

In 1514, Nicholas Vaux and his second wife, Anne Green, were part of a special group. Their job was to take Princess Mary, the king's sister, to Abbeville in France. There, she was to marry King Louis XII of France.

Nicholas and Anne Green were also present at the grand Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520. At this event, they attended King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine of Aragon. They were joined by other important people like Sir Thomas Parr and his wife Maud Green.

Family Life

Nicholas Vaux married twice.

First Marriage

His first wife was Elizabeth FitzHugh (died 1508). She was the widow of Sir William Parr of Kendal. Elizabeth was also the daughter of Henry FitzHugh, 5th Baron FitzHugh. This marriage likely happened after the 1485 Battle of Bosworth. It was probably planned to ensure the FitzHugh family's loyalty to the new Tudor royal family. King Henry VII's wife, Elizabeth of York, was Elizabeth FitzHugh's cousin.

Nicholas and Elizabeth had three daughters:

• Katherine Vaux (born around 1490, died 1571). She married Sir George Throckmorton. They had children.
• Alice Vaux (died 1543). She married Sir Richard Sapcote around 1501. They did not have children.
• Anne Vaux. She married Sir Thomas Le Strange. They had children.

Second Marriage

Shortly after his first wife died, Nicholas married Anne Green. Anne was the aunt of Queen Catherine Parr, who later became the sixth wife of King Henry VIII. Anne Green died before Nicholas did.

Nicholas and Anne had two sons and three daughters:

• Thomas Vaux, 2nd Baron Vaux of Harrowden (born 1510, died 1556). He was the eldest son and inherited his father's title. He married Elizabeth Cheney around 1523.
• William Vaux (died 1523). He never married.
• Margaret Vaux. She married Sir Francis Pulteney. They had children. She later married Sir Francis Verney.
• Bridget Vaux. She married Maurice Welsh around 1538.
• Maud Vaux (died 1569). She married Sir John Fermor. They had children.