Bartholomew de Badlesmere, 1st Baron Badlesmere, English soldier and politician, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports (b. 1275)

Bartholomew de Badlesmere, 1st Baron Badlesmere, a prominent figure in late 13th and early 14th century England, was born on 18 August 1275. His life, marked by service, ambition, and ultimately, rebellion, concluded dramatically with his execution on 14 April 1322.

As the son and heir of Sir Gunselm de Badlesmere, a knight of some standing, and Joan FitzBernard, Bartholomew inherited a position within the landed gentry. From this foundation, he ascended through various influential roles, distinguishing himself as an English soldier, a shrewd diplomat, a member of parliament, and a substantial landowner, eventually securing his place among the nobility.

A Career Forged in Conflict and Service

Badlesmere's early career was largely defined by military service. He actively participated in the English army during the tumultuous reigns of two Plantagenet kings. In the later years of King Edward I, known as "Longshanks," Bartholomew fought in campaigns both in France, likely in Gascony, and more significantly, during the arduous Wars of Scottish Independence, where English forces sought to assert dominion over Scotland. His capabilities as a military leader and administrator did not go unnoticed, leading to his summons to Parliament as 1st Baron Badlesmere in 1309, solidifying his noble status.

His service continued into the early part of King Edward II's reign. Initially, Badlesmere was a trusted royal servant, holding various key positions and enjoying the king's favour. He was appointed Governor of Bristol Castle and later as Steward of the Royal Household, demonstrating the high degree of trust placed in him. His diplomatic skills were also put to use, undertaking missions on behalf of the Crown.

The Turn of the Tide: From Royal Favour to Rebellion

However, the political landscape of Edward II's reign was fraught with tension between the king and his powerful magnates, often exacerbated by royal favourites like Piers Gaveston and later the Despensers. Bartholomew de Badlesmere, despite his initial loyalty, found himself increasingly alienated from the king's inner circle, perhaps resenting the influence of the Despensers or disagreeing with royal policy. This growing discontent led him to align himself with the opposition faction, known as the "Contrariants," led by the king's cousin, Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, one of the wealthiest and most powerful men in England.

A pivotal incident in late 1321 drastically altered his fate and plunged the kingdom closer to civil war. Badlesmere's wife, Margaret de Clare, famously refused Queen Isabella of France entry to Leeds Castle, a stronghold held by Badlesmere. This audacious act, perceived as a direct insult to the Crown, led to a royal siege of the castle. The subsequent capture of Leeds Castle and the execution of its garrison enraged Badlesmere and solidified his commitment to the rebellion against Edward II and the Despensers.

The Unsuccessful Rebellion and Its Tragic End

Badlesmere became a leading figure in the Contrariants' rebellion, also known as the Despenser War. The conflict culminated in the Battle of Boroughbridge on 16 March 1322, where the royal forces decisively defeated the rebels. Thomas of Lancaster was captured and executed shortly thereafter. Bartholomew de Badlesmere, too, was apprehended following the collapse of the rebellion. For his role in the uprising and his open defiance of the king, he was condemned as a traitor.

On 14 April 1322, Bartholomew de Badlesmere was executed by hanging at Canterbury, his lands and titles subsequently attainted by the Crown. His dramatic downfall serves as a stark reminder of the perils of political maneuvering and opposition during a volatile period in English history, reflecting the intense power struggles between the monarchy and its baronial class.

FAQs About Bartholomew de Badlesmere

Who was Bartholomew de Badlesmere?

Bartholomew de Badlesmere was an influential English nobleman, soldier, diplomat, and landowner during the late 13th and early 14th centuries. He rose to become the 1st Baron Badlesmere but ultimately met a tragic end after participating in a rebellion against King Edward II.

What were his key roles?

He served as a soldier in English campaigns in France and Scotland, held significant administrative positions such as Governor of Bristol Castle and Steward of the Royal Household, and was a member of Parliament, which established his baronial title.

When was he created 1st Baron Badlesmere?

Bartholomew de Badlesmere was summoned to Parliament as a baron in 1309, which formally established him as the 1st Baron Badlesmere by writ.

Which monarchs did he serve?

He served under both King Edward I and King Edward II of England, initially as a loyal and trusted servant before his eventual defection to the baronial opposition.

What led to his downfall and execution?

His downfall was primarily due to his participation in the Contrariants' rebellion against King Edward II. A critical incident involved his wife, Margaret de Clare, refusing Queen Isabella entry to Leeds Castle, which escalated tensions and led to a direct conflict with the Crown. Following the rebels' defeat at the Battle of Boroughbridge, he was captured and executed for treason.

How did Bartholomew de Badlesmere die?

He was executed by hanging at Canterbury on 14 April 1322, having been condemned as a traitor for his role in the rebellion.