William Bruges facts for kids
William Bruges (born around 1375 – died March 9, 1450) was an important English official. He worked with coats of arms and noble titles. He is famous for being the very first person to hold the job of Garter King of Arms. This is still the most important job in England for anything to do with heraldry (the study of coats of arms and family symbols).
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Early Life and Career
William Bruges was the son of Richard Bruges. His father also worked with coats of arms as the Lancaster King of Arms. William started his career on June 7, 1398, as the Chester Herald. A herald was like an official messenger and expert on coats of arms.
Later, William worked for Henry of Monmouth. Henry was then the Prince of Wales. William was sent to France in early 1414. He was known as the Guyenne King of Arms. In 1416, he visited Emperor Sigismund for royal business. At that time, the titles Aquitaine and Guyenne meant the same thing.
Becoming Garter King of Arms
The special job of King of Arms for the Order of the Garter was created around 1415. William Bruges was chosen for this new role. The Order of the Garter is a very old and important group of knights in England.
William's father's will, written in July 1415, mentioned William as both Guyenne and Garter King of Arms. This was the first time a King of Arms was specifically chosen for a group of knights. This new job gave him power over other heralds in England.
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William's new role came at a time when rules about coats of arms were being made clearer. In 1417, the king made rules about who could wear certain coats of arms. Later, rules were set for heralds and other officials. In 1421, English heralds met for the first time. They decided to create a common seal for their office. They also made rules for how heralds should work. The Garter King of Arms would call these meetings.
Around the same time, King Henry V helped to make the Order of the Garter more important. New rules for the Order were written. Many special metal plates with coats of arms were put up in St. George's Chapel in Windsor. William Bruges also created his famous Bruges Garter Book around 1430. This book is the oldest known collection of coats of arms for the Order of the Garter.
William Bruges was very busy. In 1421, he took part in the crowning of Queen Catherine. The next year, he helped with King Henry V's funeral. Under King Henry VI, William was sent on many trips almost every year. He often went to France, but also visited places like Scotland, Spain, and Italy.
Rebuilding St George's Church
Around 1450, William Bruges paid to rebuild St George's Church in Stamford. He put beautiful stained glass windows in the church. These windows showed the 25 founding knights of the Order of the Garter. They also showed King Edward III, who started the Order, and St George, the patron saint.
Sadly, much of the stained glass was later broken. Today, only a few pieces remain. However, the church building that William Bruges helped create is still standing.
Family and Legacy
Before 1415, William Bruges married Agnes Haddon. They had three daughters. One of his daughters, Katherine Bruges, married John Smert. John Smert later took over William's job as Garter King of Arms.
William Bruges died on March 9, 1450. He passed away at his large home in Kentish Town. He was buried in St George's Church, Stamford, the church he helped rebuild. He left a lot of his property and valuable items to the church.
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