Standard Bearer of England facts for kids
The Standard Bearer of England was a very important job in the English army a long time ago. This was especially true when kings actually fought in battles themselves. The Standard Bearer's main role was to carry the English Standard, which was like a special flag or banner that represented the king and the country. It was a huge honor and a big responsibility!
Imagine being in the middle of a battle. The standard was a rallying point for soldiers. It showed them where their king was and helped them stay together. If the standard fell, it could make soldiers think their side was losing or that their king was dead, which could cause panic.
For example, in 1153, a standard bearer named Henry de Essex got into big trouble. He threw down the English Standard and said that his king, King Stephen, was dead. This was a very serious act!
Later, during the Wars of the Roses, both sides had their own Standard Bearers. These were important people who carried their leader's banner into fierce battles.
- Sir David Ap Mathew carried the standard for Edward, Duke of York (who later became King Edward IV) at the Battle of Towton.
- William Brandon carried the standard for Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond (who later became King Henry VII) at the Battle of Bosworth.
Over time, the role of Standard Bearer became more of an honorary title. This means it was a special title given to someone as a sign of respect, rather than a job where they actually carried a flag into battle. Today, this role is sometimes connected to the King's Champion, another historic position.
Who Were the Standard Bearers?
Many brave people held the title of Standard Bearer of England throughout history. They were often knights or important figures who served the king directly. Here are some of the notable people who held this important position:
- Thomas de Sarsfield was the very first Standard Bearer for King Henry II in 1172.
- Henry de Essex was a Baron who served until 1157. He lost his position in 1163 after the incident where he dropped the standard.
- Sir William Harrington carried the Royal Standard at the famous Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
- Sir William Burton was the standard bearer for King Henry VI in France from 1421 to 1429. He sadly died at the Battle of Towton in 1461.
- Sir David Mathew (1400–1484) was the Standard Bearer for King Edward IV at the Battle of Towton in 1461. After the battle, King Edward IV even allowed the Mathew family to use the word 'Towton' on their family crest. This was to honor Sir David for saving the king's life during the battle!
- Sir Percival Thirlwall (died 1485) is said to have carried the standard for Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. Legend says he fought bravely, holding the standard high even after being badly wounded, until his last breath.
- Sir William Brandon (died 1485) carried the standard for Henry Tudor at the Battle of Bosworth. He was killed by King Richard III during the battle.
- Sir Edmund Verney was the standard bearer for King Charles I during the English Civil War.
- John Lindley Marmion Dymoke was a hereditary Queen's Champion. He acted as the Standard-Bearer of the Union Flag at the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.
- Philip Chute was the Standard Bearer for King Henry VIII.
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