Biography of Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner 1627-1688

Around 1627 Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner was born to William Brouncker 1st Viscount Brouncker (age 42).

Before 10 Nov 1633 Thomas Jermyn (age 16) and [his future wife] Rebecca Rodway were married.

In 1645 [his father] William Brouncker 1st Viscount Brouncker (age 60) was created 1st Viscount Brouckner of Lyons in Leinster.

In 1649 [his father] William Brouncker 1st Viscount Brouncker (age 64) died. His son [his brother] William Brouncker 2nd Viscount Brounckner (age 29) succeeded 2nd Viscount Brouckner of Lyons in Leinster.

In 1661 Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner (age 34) and Rebecca Rodway were married.

In 1665 Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner (age 38) was elected MP New Romney which seat he held until 21 Apr 1668 when he was expelled from the House of Commons when charges were brought against him, for allowing the Dutch fleet to escape during the Battle of Lowestoft, and for ordering the sails of the English fleet to be slackened in the name of the Duke of York (age 31). This was essentially an act of treason. Such a military decision, taken without the Duke's (age 31) authority, was an incident seemingly without parallel, especially as his apparent motive was simply that he was fatigued with the stress and noise of the battle.

Life of Clarendon by Thomas Henry Lister Volume 2 Chapter IX Pages 333 to 336. The Duke of York's fleet sailed in April; Sea-fight cruised for a time upon the Dutch coast; and, not finding an opposing armament, captured a few merchantmen, and then returned to the Gunfleet, to refit. On the 30th of May the fleet sailed again, and on the 1st of June reached Southwold Bay, on the coast of Suffolk, when the Dutch fleet, consisting of 113 ships of war, 11 fire ships, and 7 yachts, the whole under the command of Opdam, was visible to windward. That day and the following each fleet reconnoitred, and prepared for action; and early in the morning of the 3d of June the fight began. After many hours of hot encounter, upon Opdam's ship being blown up, the Dutch fled, and were pursued towards their own coast. The victors lost in killed and wounded about 800 men, among whom were Vice-Admirals Lawson and Sampson, and the Earls of Marlborough, Portland, and Falmouth. The Dutch according to Downing's statement, lost not less than fourteen ships and admitted that there had been 400 men killed in those ships which escaped¹. It was a glorious triumph for the English navy; and much more complete might the success have been if the pursuit had been steadily maintained. Downing informed Clarendon that it was said by the Dutch, "that Tromp, and those ships that fled with him, lay three hours without the Texel, for want of water to get in, so that had the English' pursued their victory close, they must have run their ships on ground or quitted them, and then they should not have been able to have made another fleet, God knows when."²

The cause of this delay is remarkable. During the night, while the Duke slept, Brouncker, his groom of the bed-chamber, pretending orders from the Duke, ordered the lieutenant to shorten sail, by which means (the Duke of York's being the leading ship) he retarded the progress of the whole fleet. That Brouncker should have thus acted of his own accord, through fear for himself or for the safety of his royal master, is, prima facie, more probable than that the Duke of York, who professed a wish to prosecute the war with vigour, and had shown himself, on other occasions, not deficient in personal courage, should have issued such an order. But it is remarkable that (according to the statements in the Life of James, compiled from his own papers) until July, when the fleet was again ready for sail, under the command of Lord Sandwich, "the Duke had not heard one word of his ship having shortened sail!" Still more remarkable is it, that it was not till the meeting of the Parliament, in the autumn, "that the Duke first heard what Brouncker had done, in counterfeiting his orders at sea;"³ but most remarkable that, for nearly two years after this grave offence had come to the knowledge of the Duke, and raised in him no small "indignation," Brouncker, who seems to have been the pandar to his pleasures⁴, remained, unpunished, in his service; and was at length dismissed on another account⁵; and thus, for this most grave offence, received no punishment from the Duke at all⁶. No inquiry appears to have been made respecting the conduct of the Duke of York: but it was opportunely discovered that the command of a fleet in time of war was a situation of peril; - that the Duke of York was presumptive heir to the throne; - and that a life so valuable ought not to be endangered. He was therefore prohibited from serving again, and the command, of the fleet was given to the Earl of Sandwich. It must now be inquired by what foreign alliances tlie English government endeavoured to strengthen itself for that war in which it was so unnecessarily engaged.

Note 1. Downing to Clarendon, June 9, 1665. In the Life of James, the Dutch are stated to have lost 20 ships, and about 10,000 men killed and prisoners. (Life of James I, 418.)

Note 2. Downing to Clarendon, June 9 1665.

Note 3. Life of James I. 421, 422.

Note 4. Pepys, iii. 266. 4

Note 5. J Ibid. iii. 335.

Note 6. The Parliament took up the question after Brouncker had been dismissed from the Duke's service, and expelled him from the House of Commons. It was the circumstance of the Parliament having taken cognisance of the offence which, according to the Life of James, "hindered the Duke from having him try'd by a court martial" more than two years after it had come to his knowledge! It is also singularly stated that, "by length of time the prosecution cool'd so, that Brouncker was only turn'd out of the House, nor could the Duke do anything more at that time than to turn him out of his service," it being neither at that time, nor on that account, that Brouncker was dismissed.

Click to expand text ...

Pepy's Diary. 19 Mar 1665. Lord's Day. Mr. Povy (age 51) sent his coach for me betimes, and I to him, and there to our great trouble do find that my Lord FitzHarding (age 35) do appear for Mr. Brunkard (age 38)¹ to be Paymaster upon Povy's (age 51) going out, by a former promise of the Duke's (age 31), and offering to give as much as any for it. This put us all into a great dumpe, and so we went to Creed's new lodging in the Mewes, and there we found Creed with his parrot upon his shoulder, which struck Mr. Povy (age 51) coming by just by the eye, very deep, which, had it hit his eye, had put it out. This a while troubled us, but not proving very bad, we to our business consulting what to do; at last resolved, and I to Mr. Coventry (age 37), and there had his most friendly and ingenuous advice, advising me not to decline the thing, it being that that will bring me to be known to great persons, while now I am buried among three or four of us, says he, in the Navy; but do not make a declared opposition to my Lord FitzHarding (age 35).

Note 1. Henry Brouncker (age 38), younger brother of William, Viscount Brouncker, President of the Royal Society. He was Groom of the Bedchamber to the Duke of York (age 31), and succeeded to the office of Cofferer on the death of William Ashburnham in 1671. His character was bad, and his conduct in the sea-fight of 1665 was impugned. He was expelled from the House of Commons, but succeeded to his brother's title in 1684. He died in January, 1687.

Pepy's Diary. 20 Mar 1665. Thence to St. James's, and there was in great doubt of Brunkerd (age 38), but at last I hear that Brunkerd desists. The Duke (age 31) did direct Secretary Bennet (age 47), who was there, to declare his mind to the Tangier Committee, that he approves of me for Treasurer; and with a character of me to be a man whose industry and discretion he would trust soon as any man's in England: and did the like to my Lord Sandwich (age 39).

Pepy's Diary. 10 Jun 1666. He tells me further, how the Duke of Yorke (age 32) is wholly given up to his new mistresse, my Lady Denham (age 26), going at noon-day with all his gentlemen with him to visit her in Scotland Yard; she declaring she will not be his mistresse, as Mrs. Price (age 29), to go up and down the Privy-stairs, but will be owned publicly; and so she is. Mr. Bruncker (age 39), it seems, was the pimp to bring it about, and my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 25), who designs thereby to fortify herself by the Duke; there being a falling-out the other day between the King (age 36) and her: on this occasion, the Queene (age 56), in ordinary talke before the ladies in her drawing-room, did say to my Baroness Castlemaine's (age 25) that she feared the King (age 36) did take cold, by staying so late abroad at her house. She answered before them all, that he did not stay so late abroad with her, for he went betimes thence (though he do not before one, two, or three in the morning), but must stay somewhere else. The King (age 36) then coming in and overhearing, did whisper in the eare aside, and told her she was a bold impertinent woman, and bid her to be gone out of the Court, and not come again till he sent for, her; which she did presently, and went to a lodging in the Pell Mell [Map], and kept there two or three days, and then sent to the King (age 36) to know whether she might send for her things away out of her house. The King (age 36) sent to her, she must first come and view them: and so she come, and the King (age 36) went to her, and all friends again. He tells me she did, in her anger, say she would be even with the King (age 36), and print his letters to her. So putting all together, we are and are like to be in a sad condition. We are endeavouring to raise money by borrowing it of the City; but I do not think the City will lend a farthing.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Feb 1667. From that discourse we ran to others, and among the others he assures me that Henry Bruncker (age 40) is one of the shrewdest fellows for parts in England, and a dangerous man; that if ever the Parliament comes again Sir W. Coventry (age 39) cannot stand, but in this I believe him not; that, while we want money so much in the Navy, the Officers of the Ordnance have at this day £300,000 good in tallys, which they can command money upon, got by their over-estimating their charge in getting it reckoned as a fifth part of the expense of the Navy; that Harry Coventry (age 48), who is to go upon this treaty with Lord Hollis (age 67) (who he confesses to be a very wise man) into Holland, is a mighty quick, ready man, but not so weighty as he should be, he knowing him so well in his drink as he do; that, unless the King (age 36) do do something against my Lord Mordaunt (age 40) and the Patent for the Canary Company, before the Parliament next meets, he do believe there will be a civil war before there will be any more money given, unless it may be at their perfect disposal; and that all things are now ordered to the provoking of the Parliament against they come next, and the spending the King's money, so as to put him into a necessity of having it at the time it is prorogued for, or sooner.

Pepy's Diary. 17 Apr 1667. In our way, in Tower Street [Map], we saw Desbrough walking on foot: who is now no more a prisoner, and looks well, and just as he used to do heretofore. When we come to the Duke of York's (age 33) I was spoke to by Mr. Bruncker (age 40) on behalf of Carcasse.

Pepy's Diary. 24 Apr 1667. So home to dinner, and in the afternoon met by agreement (being put on it by Harry Bruncker's (age 40) frighting us into a despatch of Carcasse's business) [Lord] Bruncker, T. Harvey, Sir J. Minnes (age 68), Sir W. Batten (age 66), and I (Sir W. Pen (age 46) keeping out of the way still), where a great many high words from Bruncker, and as many from me and others to him, and to better purpose, for I think we have fortified ourselves to overthrow his man Carcasse, and to do no honour to him.

Pepy's Diary. 21 Oct 1667. Thence to Westminster again, and up to the lobby, where many commanders of the fleete were, and Captain Cox, and Mr. Pierce, the Surgeon; the last of whom hath been in the House, and declared that he heard Bruncker (age 40) advise; and give arguments to, Cox, for the safety of the Duke of York's (age 34) person, to shorten sail, that they might not be in the middle of the enemy in the morning alone; and Cox denying to observe his advice, having received the Duke of York's (age 34) commands over night to keep within cannon-shot (as they then were) of the enemy, Bruncker did go to Harman (age 42), and used the same arguments, and told him that he was sure it would be well pleasing to the King (age 37) that care should be taken of not endangering the Duke of York (age 34); and, after much persuasion, Harman (age 42) was heard to say, "Why, if it must be, then lower the topsail". And so did shorten sail, to the loss, as the Parliament will have it, of the greatest victory that ever was, and which would have saved all the expence of blood, and money, and honour, that followed; and this they do resent, so as to put it to the question, whether Bruncker should not be carried to the Tower: who do confess that, out of kindness to the Duke of York's (age 34) safety, he did advise that they should do so, but did not use the Duke of York's (age 34) name therein; and so it was only his error in advising it, but the greatest theirs in taking it, contrary to order.

Pepy's Diary. 21 Oct 1667. Up, and betimes got a coach at the Exchange [Map], and thence to St. James's, where I had forgot that the Duke of York (age 34) and family were gone to White Hall, and thence to Westminster Hall [Map] and there walked a little, finding the Parliament likely to be busy all this morning about the business of Mr. Bruncker (age 40) for advising Cox and Harman (age 42) to shorten sail when they were in pursuit of the Dutch after the first great victory. I went away to Mr. Creed's chamber, there to meet Sir H. Cholmly (age 35), about business of Mr. Yeabsly, where I was delivered of a great fear that they would question some of the orders for payment of money which I had got them signed at the time of the plague, when I was here alone, but all did pass.

Pepy's Diary. 22 Oct 1667. Slept but ill all the last part of the night, for fear of this day's success in Parliament: therefore up, and all of us all the morning close, till almost two o'clock, collecting all we had to say and had done from the beginning, touching the safety of the River Medway and Chatham, Kent [Map]. And, having done this, and put it into order, we away, I not having time to eat my dinner; and so all in my [his brother] Lord Bruncker's (age 47) coach, that is to say, Bruncker, W. Pen (age 46), T. Harvy (age 42), and myself, talking of the other great matter with which they charge us, that is, of discharging men by ticket, in order to our defence in case that should be asked. We come to the Parliament-door, and there, after a little waiting till the Committee was sat, we were, the House being very full, called in: Sir W. Pen (age 46) went in and sat as a Member; and my Lord Bruncker (age 47) would not at first go in, expecting to have a chair set for him, and his brother (age 40) had bid him not go in, till he was called for; but, after a few words, I had occasion to mention him, and so he was called in, but without any more chair or respect paid him than myself: and so Bruncker, and T. Harvy, and I, were there to answer: and I had a chair brought me to lean my books upon: and so did give them such an account, in a series of the whole business that had passed the Office touching the matter, and so answered all questions given me about it, that I did not perceive but they were fully satisfied with me and the business as to our Office: and then Commissioner Pett (age 57) (who was by at all my discourse, and this held till within an hour after candlelight, for I had candles brought in to read my papers by) was to answer for himself, we having lodged all matters with him for execution. But, Lord! what a tumultuous thing this Committee is, for all the reputation they have of a great council, is a strange consideration; there being as impertinent questions, and as disorderly proposed, as any man could make. But Commissioner Pett (age 57), of all men living, did make the weakest defence for himself: nothing to the purpose, nor to satisfaction, nor certain; but sometimes one thing and sometimes another, sometimes for himself and sometimes against him; and his greatest failure was, that I observed, from his [not] considering whether the question propounded was his part to answer or no, and the thing to be done was his work to do: the want of which distinction will overthrow him; for he concerns himself in giving an account of the disposal of the boats, which he had no reason at all to do, or take any blame upon him for them. He charged the not carrying up of "The Charles" upon the Tuesday, to the Duke of Albemarle (age 58); but I see the House is mighty favourable to the Duke of Albemarle (age 58), and would give little weight to it. And something of want of armes he spoke, which Sir J. Duncomb (age 45) answered with great imperiousness and earnestness; but, for all that, I do see the House is resolved to be better satisfied in the business of the unreadiness of Sherenesse, and want of armes and ammunition there and every where: and all their officers were here to-day attending, but only one called in, about armes for boats, to answer Commissioner Pett (age 57).

Click to expand text ...

Pepy's Diary. 20 Apr 1668. Up betimes and to the getting ready my answer to the Committee of Accounts to several questions, which makes me trouble, though I know of no blame due to me from any, let them enquire what they can out¹. I to White Hall, and there hear how Henry Brouncker (age 41) is fled, which, I think, will undo him: but what good it will do Harman (age 43) I know not, he hath so befooled himself; but it will be good sport to my Chancellor (age 59) to hear how his great enemy is fain to take the same course that he is. There met Robinson, who tells me that he fears his master, W. Coventry, will this week have his business brought upon the stage again, about selling of places, which I shall be sorry for, though the less, since I hear his standing for Pen the other day, to the prejudice, though not to the wrong, of my Lord Sandwich (age 42); and yet I do think what he did, he did out of a principle of honesty.

Note 1. The first part of the entry for April 20th is among the rough notes, and stands as follows: "Monday 20. Up and busy about answer to Committee of Accounts this morning about several questions which vexed me though in none I have reason to be troubled. But the business of The Flying Greyhound begins to find me some care, though in that I am wholly void of blame". This may be compared with the text.

Pepy's Diary. 21 Apr 1668. Up, and at the office all the morning, at noon dined at home, and thence took Mrs. Turner (age 45) out and carried her to the King's house, and saw "The Indian Emperour"; and after that done, took Knepp out, and to Kensington; and there walked in the garden, and then supped, and mighty merry, there being also in the house Sir Philip Howard (age 37), and some company, and had a dear reckoning, but merry, and away, it being quite night, home, and dark, about 9 o'clock or more, and in my coming had the opportunity the first time in my life to be bold with Knepp.., and so left her at home, and so Mrs. Turner (age 45) and I home to my letters and to bed. Here hear how Sir W. Pen's (age 46) impeachment was read, and agreed to, in the House this day, and ordered to be engrossed; and he suspended the House¹ Harman (age 43) set at liberty; and Brouncker (age 41) put out of the House, and a writ for a new election, and an impeachment ordered to be brought in against him, he being fled!²

Note 1. From sitting as a member pending the impeachment.-B.

Note 2. Sir Charles Berkeley, jun (age 68). was chosen in his room. In the sea-fight off Southwold Bay on June 3rd, 1665, the English triumphed over the Dutch, but the very considerable victory was not followed up. During the night, while the Duke of York (age 34) slept, Henry Brouncker (age 41), his groom of the bedchamber, ordered the lieutenant to shorten sail, by which means the progress of the whole fleet was retarded, the Duke of York's (age 34) being the leading ship. The duke affirmed that he first heard of Brouncker's (age 41) unjustifiable action in July, and yet he kept the culprit in his service for nearly two years after the offence had come to his knowledge. After Brouncker (age 41) had been dismissed from the duke's service, the House of Commons ejected him. The whole matter is one of the unsolved difficulties of history. See Lister's "Life of Clarendon", ii., 334 335.

Pepy's Diary. 04 Nov 1668. Up, and by coach to White Hall; and there I find the King (age 38) and Duke of York (age 35) come the last night, and every body's mouth full of my Lord Anglesey's (age 54) suspension being sealed; which it was, it seems, yesterday; so that he is prevented in his remedy at the Council; and, it seems, the two new Treasurers did kiss the King's hand this morning, brought in by my Lord Arlington (age 50). They walked up and down together the Court this day, and several people joyed them; but I avoided it, that I might not be seen to look either way. This day also I hear that my Lord Ormond (age 58) is to be declared in Council no more Deputy Governor of Ireland, his commission being expired: and the King (age 38) is prevailed with to take it out of his hands; which people do mightily admire, saying that he is the greatest subject of any Prince in Christendome, and hath more acres of land than any, and hath done more for his Prince than ever any yet did. But all will not do; he must down, it seems, the Duke of Buckingham (age 40) carrying all before him. But that, that troubles me most is, that they begin to talk that the Duke of York's (age 35) regiment is ordered to be disbanded; and more, that undoubtedly his Admiralty will follow: which do shake me mightily, and I fear will have ill consequences in the nation, for these counsels are very mad. The Duke of York (age 35) do, by all men's report, carry himself wonderfull submissive to the King (age 38), in the most humble manner in the world; but yet, it seems, nothing must be spared that tends to, the keeping out of the Chancellor (age 59); and that is the reason of all this. The great discourse now is, that the Parliament shall be dissolved and another called, which shall give the King (age 38) the Deane (age 34) and Chapter lands; and that will put him out of debt. And it is said that Buckingham do knownly meet daily with Wildman and other Commonwealth-men; and that when he is with them, he makes the King (age 38) believe that he is with his wenches; and something looks like the Parliament's being dissolved, by Harry Brouncker's (age 41) being now come back, and appears this day the first day at White Hall; but hath not been yet with the King (age 38), but is secure that he shall be well received, I hear. God bless us, when such men as he shall be restored! But that, that pleases me most is, that several do tell me that Pen is to be removed; and others, that he hath resigned his place; and particularly Spragg tells me for certain that he hath resigned it, and is become a partner with Gawden in the Victualling: in which I think he hath done a very cunning thing; but I am sure I am glad of it; and it will be well for the King (age 38) to have him out of this Office.

Click to expand text ...

In 1673 Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner (age 46) was appointed Commissioner of Trade and Plantation.

Evelyn's Diary. 27 Aug 1678. I took leave of the Duke (age 50), and dined at Mr. Henry Bruncker's (age 51), at the Abbey of Sheene [Map], formerly a monastery of Carthusians, there yet remaining one of their solitary cells with a cross. Within this ample inclosure are several pretty villas and fine gardens of the most excellent fruits, especially Sir William Temple's (lately Ambassador into Holland), and the Lord Lisle's (age 29), son to the Earl of Leicester (age 59), who has divers rare pictures, above all, that of Sir Brian Tuke's, by Holbein.

On 09 Dec 1679 Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner (age 52) was appointed Cofferer of the Household to King Charles II of England Scotland and Ireland (age 49).

Evelyn's Diary. 06 Sep 1680. He is generous, and lives very honorably, of a sweet nature, well-spoken, well-bred, and is so highly in his Majesty's (age 50) esteem, and so useful, that being long since made a knight, he is also advanced to be one of the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury, and has the reversion of the Cofferer's place after Harry Brouncker (age 53). He has married his eldest daughter (age 11) to my Lord Cornwallis (age 15), and gave her £12,000, and restored that entangled family besides. He matched his son to Mrs. Trollop (age 19), who brings with her (besides a great sum) near, if not altogether, £2,000 per annum. Sir Stephen's lady (an excellent woman) is sister to Mr. Whittle (age 49), one of the King's (age 50) chirurgeons. In a word, never was man more fortunate than Sir Stephen; he is a handsome person, virtuous, and very religious.

On 05 Apr 1684 [his brother] William Brouncker 2nd Viscount Brounckner (age 64) died. His brother Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner (age 57) succeeded 3rd Viscount Brouckner of Lyons in Leinster.

On 04 Jan 1688 Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner (age 61) died without issue at Sheen Priory, Richmond. He was buried in the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Richmond, Surrey. Viscount Brouckner of Lyons in Leinster extinct.

Royal Ancestors of Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner 1627-1688

Ancestors of Henry Brouncker 3rd Viscount Brounckner 1627-1688