Walter Hungerford of Farleigh facts for kids

Sir Walter Hungerford of Farleigh was an important English knight. He lived a long time ago, dying in 1516. Sir Walter fought for King Henry VII at a very famous battle called the Battle of Bosworth. He was also a trusted advisor, serving on the Privy Council for both King Henry VII and his son, Henry VIII.

Who Was Sir Walter Hungerford?

Walter Hungerford was the youngest son of Robert Hungerford, 3rd Baron Hungerford. His mother was Eleanor. Walter became a Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Wiltshire in 1477–78.

Fighting for the King

In 1483, King Richard III gave Walter a special pardon. This was because Walter had supported the House of Lancaster in earlier times. However, when the Earl of Richmond (who would become Henry VII) landed in England in 1485, Richard III arrested Walter. But Walter managed to escape! He then joined Richmond's army.

At the important Battle of Bosworth, Walter fought bravely. He even defeated Sir Robert Brackenbury in a one-on-one fight. Sir Robert was the lieutenant of the Tower of London. After the battle, Henry VII made Walter a knight right there on the battlefield.

Serving the Crown

After the battle, Walter got back some of his family's lands, like Farleigh Castle. He also became a member of the Privy Council. This meant he was a close advisor to the King.

In 1487, he went on a special trip to Rome for the King. Later, in 1497, he helped stop a rebellion led by Perkin Warbeck. In 1503, he traveled with Henry VII's queen. They went to Scotland for the wedding of Princess Margaret to the King of Scotland. When Henry VIII became king, Sir Walter continued to serve on the Privy Council.

Sir Walter's Family

Sir Walter Hungerford married a woman named Jane Bulstrode. She was the daughter of Sir William Bulstrode. They had several children, including:

• Edward Hungerford: He was their only son. Edward later became the father of Walter Hungerford, 1st Baron Hungerford of Heytesbury (who lived from 1503 to 1540).
• Elizabeth (or Isabel) Hungerford: She married John Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Bath.

When Did Sir Walter Hungerford Die?

Sir Walter Hungerford passed away in 1516. He was buried at Farleigh.