Robert Broughton (MP) facts for kids

Sir Robert Broughton (died 17 August 1506) was an important landowner, a brave soldier, and a Member of Parliament (MP) for Suffolk. He became a knight after fighting in the Battle of Stoke. In this battle, he supported the Lancastrian side, fighting alongside John de Vere, 13th Earl of Oxford. Sir Robert was very close to the Earl, and it's believed he married the Earl's daughter, Katherine.

Sir Robert's Family History

Robert Broughton was the son of John Broughton (who died in 1479) and Anne Denston (who died in 1481). His mother, Anne, was the daughter of John Denston. You can still see pictures of Robert Broughton's parents in the beautiful stained glass windows at Holy Trinity Church, Long Melford, in Suffolk. His grandparents' tomb is also in the church of St Nicholas at Denston.

The Broughton family came from Broughton in Buckinghamshire. They became very wealthy in the early 1400s by marrying a rich heiress named Mary Pever. Mary's father was Thomas Pever, and her grandfather was Sir Nigel Loring, a very famous knight who helped start the Order of the Garter. Robert Broughton inherited all the family's lands and wealth.

Robert had two brothers, William and Edward, and a sister named Elizabeth. The Broughton family's coat of arms was a red chevron between three red stars on a silver shield.

Sir Robert's Life and Work

Robert Broughton became a Knight of the Order of the Bath in 1478. This happened when Richard, Duke of York, who was only four years old, married Anne de Mowbray. Richard was one of the two young princes later thought to have been murdered in the Tower of London.

Sir Robert was a close friend and supporter of John de Vere, 13th Earl of Oxford. He even held land from the Earl in places like Ashdon, Essex, and Stony Stratford, Buckinghamshire. He fought bravely under the Earl's flag at the Battle of Stoke in June 1487. After the battle, he was knighted right there on the battlefield. His name is even mentioned in an old book once owned by the Paston family, showing he was knighted.

In 1488, Sir Robert helped the Earl of Oxford make sure that another knight, Sir Edmund Hastings, would stay loyal to King Henry VII.

In 1489, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Suffolk. This was probably because of the Earl of Oxford's strong influence.

In 1496, Sir Robert worked as the Earl of Oxford's helper at Clare Castle, Suffolk. The Earl was the Constable (like a governor) of the castle.

In 1501, Sir Robert was part of a big celebration to welcome Catherine of Aragon to England. She was coming to marry Prince Arthur, who was King Henry VII's oldest son. Sir Robert was among many important people who greeted Catherine when she arrived in London.

Sir Robert Broughton wrote his will on June 20, 1504. He asked to be buried in Denston church. He named his wife, Katherine, as one of the people to carry out his wishes, and the 13th Earl of Oxford as the supervisor. He passed away on August 17, 1506. After his death, it was found that his yearly income was about £600. This made him one of the richest landowners in England who wasn't a baron.

When the Earl of Oxford died in 1513, he left gifts to Sir Robert's two sons. John, the older son, received two silver flagons. Robert, the younger son, received £40. It seems Robert worked for the Earl, as he also received a yearly payment.

Marriages and Children

Sir Robert Broughton married twice.

His first wife was Katherine de Vere. People say she was the daughter of John de Vere, 13th Earl of Oxford. With Katherine, he had two sons and one daughter:

• John Broughton (died 1518). He was about fifteen years old when his father died. John married Anne Sapcote and had a son and three daughters:
  • John Broughton (died 1528).
  • Katherine Broughton (died 1535). She was the first wife of William Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Effingham.
  • Anne Broughton. She married Sir Thomas Cheyney.
  • Elizabeth Broughton. She died in 1524 and never married. There is a special monument for her at Chenies.
• Robert Broughton.
• Margaret Broughton (died 1524). She married Henry Everard and had several children.

Sir Robert's second wife was Dorothy Wentworth. She was the sister of Sir Richard Wentworth. Dorothy's sister, Margery Wentworth, married Sir John Seymour. Margery and Sir John were the parents of Jane Seymour, who later became the third wife of King Henry VIII.