Roland de Velville facts for kids

Sir Roland de Velville (born 1471/4 – died 25 June 1535) was an English soldier and government official. He was born in Brittany, a region of France. Some historians believe he was the secret son of King Henry VII of England. Others think he was simply a close friend of the King. Henry VII brought Roland to England after his time in Brittany. Roland was an important person in the royal court.

Early Life and Royal Connections

Roland de Velville was born in Brittany. The name Velville might be a French version of a Breton name like Cosquer. This family lived at Château de Rosanbo in Brittany. Roland's coat of arms, a black boar on gold, was the same as the Cosquer family. This suggests he might have been connected to them.

Historians Peter Beauclerk-Dewar and Roger Powell say that Roland was a "favourite" of King Henry VII. He often took part in royal jousting tournaments. He also went hunting with the King. Roland served in the military in Brittany in 1489. He likely fought with the King in France in 1492.

Becoming a Knight

In 1497, Roland was knighted after the Battle of Blackheath. King Henry VII rewarded him specially for his efforts. Roland continued to take part in royal events. These included jousts for royal marriages and visits from foreign rulers. He was active in the court from 1494 to 1507.

In 1509, Roland attended Henry VII's funeral. He was a knight of the Royal Household. Later that year, he joined jousts to celebrate Henry VIII becoming King. Soon after, he received an important job. He became the Constable and Captain of Beaumaris Castle in Anglesey, Wales. He held this position until he died.

Family Life and Death

Sir Roland de Velville married a Welsh woman named Agnes Griffith. Agnes was already a widow. She came from a powerful Welsh family. Her brother, Sir William Griffith, was a Chamberlain of North Wales.

Roland and Agnes had two daughters. Their names were Grace and Jane. Jane later married Tudor ap Robert Vychan. Their daughter was Katherine Tudor. She is sometimes called "the mother of Wales."

Sir Roland de Velville died on June 25, 1535. The cause of his death is not known. He was buried in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Beaumaris Castle.

Poems About Sir Roland

Welsh poets, called bards, wrote about Sir Roland de Velville. These poems suggest he was a very important person. They also hint at his royal connections.

One poem by Robert Evans called him the "Great-grandson of gilded Sir Roland." It said his family line was "the lineage of kings." It also mentioned he was from "the ancient blood of Brittany."

Another poet, William Cynwal, wrote about Roland. He said, "Sir Roland of Brittany was your ancestor." He added that Roland's line came "from the blood of kings." It was also "of the race of the earls of all England." This might refer to Henry VII's father, Edmund Tudor, who was the Earl of Richmond.

Owain Gwynedd wrote that "Lineages came to you... from the blood of Velville." He called Roland a "generous kinsman." He also linked him to the "stags of Penmynydd." Penmynydd was the ancestral home of the Tudor family in Anglesey.

Lewys Dwnn wrote a poem in 1602. It said Roland was "Of a line near to the crown and of its blood."

Dafydd Alaw, a bard from Anglesey, wrote a poem when Roland died in 1535. He called Roland "a man of a kingly line." He also said Roland was "of earl's blood." This shows that people thought Roland had royal connections during his lifetime.

His Appearance

Records from the time describe Sir Roland's appearance. One text says he was "tall, very strong, and fair." It also noted he was "much like to Kinge H8." This means he looked a lot like King Henry VIII.