Ralph Bulmer (soldier) facts for kids

Sir Ralph Bulmer (who passed away in 1558) was an English knight and soldier. He came from Wilton in Yorkshire, which is now part of Redcar and Cleveland. Sir Ralph was very active in battles near the Scottish border and during a conflict known as the Rough Wooing. This was a time when England tried to force Scotland to agree to a marriage between the young Scottish Queen Mary and England's Prince Edward.

Around 1535, Ralph married Anne Aske or Anne Tempest. King Henry VIII gave them control of lands that used to belong to Marrick Priory, a type of religious house.

Early Life and Challenges

Ralph's uncle, Sir John Bulmer, and his family faced serious trouble in June 1537. They were accused of a major crime against the king because of their involvement in the Pilgrimage of Grace. This was a large protest against King Henry VIII's changes to the church.

In March 1538, Ralph himself was held as a prisoner in the Tower of London. He even carved his name, "RAVLEF BVLMAR 1537," into the wall of the Beauchamp Tower there. Luckily, Ralph was later set free. He also got back some of his family's lands.

Fighting in Scotland

In November 1542, Ralph became a captain. He led a group of 100 soldiers in a campaign against Scotland. This campaign ended with the battle of Solway Moss. Another soldier, Sir William Bulmer, joined him, leading 50 men.

During this time, Ralph was involved in burning several towns and villages in Scotland. He worked with his friend Ralph Eure and soldiers from the English forts of Berwick upon Tweed and Teviotdale. In November 1542, they set fire to places like Coldingham, Reston, Ayton, and the town and Abbey of Coldstream.

Leading at Roxburgh Castle

After the battle of Pinkie in September 1547, Sir Ralph Bulmer was given an important job. He became the commander of an English fort at Roxburgh Castle in Scotland. This area was under English control at the time.

On December 30, 1547, Ralph wrote to the Duke of Somerset, who was a powerful leader in England. Ralph complained that rebuilding and strengthening the fort was going too slowly. The plan for the new fort had been drawn up by a surveyor named Sir Richard Lee. Ralph had also complained that the military engineer, William Ridgeway, rarely came to Roxburgh to help.

Gathering Information

Ralph also worked to gather information from spies in Leith, a port city in Scotland. He sent this information to the Duke of Somerset. In November 1547, he reported on the movement of large cannons. These cannons were being moved to attack the English soldiers stationed at Broughty Castle, near Dundee.

In 1557, Ralph was ready with other English border leaders. They were preparing for a possible invasion from Scotland.