Biography of William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath 1557-1623

Paternal Family Tree: Bourchier

Maternal Family Tree: Margaret Donnington Countess Bath 1509-1561

On 04 Dec 1548 a double wedding of a father and son, and a mother and daughter, was celebrated at Hengrave Hall, Bury St Edmunds.

[his grandfather] John Bourchier 2nd Earl Bath (age 49) and [his grandmother] Margaret Donnington Countess Bath (age 39) were married. She by marriage Countess Bath. He the son of John Bourchier 1st Earl Bath and Cecily Daubeney Baroness Fitzwarin. He a great x 4 grandson of King Edward III of England.

[his father] John Bourchier (age 19) and [his mother] Frances Kitson were married. She the daughter of Thomas Kitson and Margaret Donnington Countess Bath (age 39). He the son of John Bourchier 2nd Earl Bath (age 49) and Eleanor Manners Countess Bath. He a great x 5 grandson of King Edward III of England.

Around Sep 1557 William Barnaby and [his mother] Frances Kitson were married. He was land agent to her former father-ine-law the [his grandfather] John Bourchier 2nd Earl Bath (age 58); the marriage as a consequence gave great offence to her friends. She the daughter of Thomas Kitson and Margaret Donnington Countess Bath (age 48).

On 29 Sep 1557 William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath was born to John Bourchier and Frances Kitson.

On 10 Feb 1561 [his grandfather] John Bourchier 2nd Earl Bath (age 62) died. He was buried on 10 Mar 1561 at the Church of St John Lateran, Hengrave. His grandson William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath (age 3) succeeded 3rd Earl Bath, 13th Baron Fitzwarin.

Before 07 May 1567 [his uncle] Thomas Kitson (age 26) and [his future sister-in-law] Elizabeth Cornwallis (age 26) were married. He the son of Thomas Kitson and Margaret Donnington Countess Bath.

Around 1573 Thomas Hinson (age 22) was tutor to William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath (age 15) at Caius College, Cambridge University.

On 15 Dec 1578 William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath (age 21) and Mary Cornwallis Countess Bath were married. The marriage, apparently, taking place secretly at night. She by marriage Countess Bath.

On 28 Apr 1581 the marriage of William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath (age 23) and [his wife] Mary Cornwallis Countess Bath was annulled. A letter of Sir [his father-in-law] Thomas Cornwallis, dat. Brome, 10 June 1601, states "By deposition of 10 witnesses, it was most manifestly proved in the Arches, that the marriage was lawfully, clearly, and honestly compassed," that the Earl's [his mother] mother "did by great means attempt to corrupt the then Judge of that Court ... but not prevailing that way, all course of law was then broken, for they appealed to the Delegates, slne gravamlne ... who thereupon proceeded in so violent a course as the like hath not been heard of .... Her adversaries effected the end of their desire ; and yet the Commissioners' Sentence was with this corrective, viz. leaving the Earl to his own conscience." (Hist. MSS. Com., Hatfield MSS., Part xi, p. 223). This Mary was a legatee, 25 June 1601, in the will of Sir Thomas Kitson (age 40), her [his sister-in-law] sister's (age 40) husband, who mentions her said marriage, and that it afterwards proved most unfortunate and to her great hindrance. W. Lewyn, also, speaks of this Earl as having "made an untimely marriage by night with the da. of Sir Thomas Cornwallys, which was undone and the Earl since married to another, the [his future wife] da. (as I think) of the late Earl of Bedford (age 54)." (Letter to Lord Cobham, 29 May 1596). V.G.

On 07 Aug 1583 William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath (age 25) and Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath were married at St Mary Major Church, Exeter. She by marriage Countess Bath, Countess Eu. She the daughter of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 56) and Margaret St John Countess Bedford.

In 1584 [his brother-in-law] John Russell (age 31) died.

On 13 Feb 1585 [his brother-in-law] William Russell 1st Baron Russell (age 25) and Elizabeth Long Baroness Russel Thornhaugh were married at Watford, Hertfordshire. He the son of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford (age 58) and Margaret St John Countess Bedford.

On 27 Jun 1585 [his brother-in-law] Francis Russell (age 31) died.

On 03 Apr 1586 [his mother] Frances Kitson died. She was buried at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map].

In 1587 [his daughter] Frances Bourchier was born to William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath (age 29) and [his wife] Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath.

Before 01 Mar 1590, the date of his baptism at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map], [his son] Edward Bourchier 4th Earl Bath was born to William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath (age 32) and [his wife] Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath at Somerset.

In 1603 [his brother-in-law] William Russell 1st Baron Russell (age 43) was created 1st Baron Russell of Thornhaugh. Elizabeth Long Baroness Russel Thornhaugh by marriage Baroness Russell of Thornhaugh.

On 24 Mar 1605 [his wife] Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath died.

On 25 Mar 1605 [his former wife] Elizabeth Russell Countess Bath was buried at St Peter's Church, Tawstock [Map]. After 12 Jul 1623 William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath (age 65) was buried with his wife.

The monument subject to restoration and repainting around 1980.

Monument, possibly by Nicholas Johnson, with Latin inscriptions: Æ.S. Lege viator quæ Magnatum saxa rarissime, loquuntur vir probus et mobilis utero hic situs est Guiliemus Bourgchier Comes Bathone nsis æternitatem apud motales meritus Suauissimo connubio connnxit nobii tatem et virtutem utranq dignitatum in omnibus constanter retinvit et ornavit vixit in hac ipsa Devonia cvi datus est praefectus et puincian triginta pius minus annis integerppime administravit Deum tam privatis quam publicis officus religiosissime colvit magnificum exemplum beneficentiæ, et hosptalitatis pavprervmq et oppressorum acerrimus patronus diniq cum inoffensae foelicitatis cursum ad sinium vsq propuxisset decessit e vivis incens et aeternum Devoniae suæ desiderium 12 July anno salvitus 1623 ætatis vero suæ 65. Uxorem duxit lectissimam toeminan sociam ... sepulchri dnam Elizabetham Francisci Comitis Bedfordensis Filiam ex qua genuit Johem Robertum et Edwardum Filios et Franciscam Filiam E quibus Edwardum modo Comitem Bathoniensem solum reliquit supersitem ipsoum clarissimæ familiæ suis quoq virtutibus et foelicissimo conivgio futurum ornamentum. Hoc fac et vives.

"Reader, read what the rare stones of the great ones seldom speak, here lies buried William Bourchier, Earl of Bath, deserving of eternity among mortals. He united nobility and virtue by a most delightful marriage, consistently maintaining and adorning both dignities in all things. He lived in this very Devonshire, over which he presided as prefect and justice of the peace for thirty years with the utmost integrity. He devoutly worshipped God in both private and public duties, magnificently exemplifying benevolence, hospitality, and being the most ardent protector of the oppressed. When he had set forth the course of his harmless happiness to the bosom of eternity, he departed from the living, leaving behind an incense and eternal longing for his Devonshire. On July 12th, in the year of salvation 1623, at the age of 65. He married the most distinguished lady, Elizabeth, daughter of Francis, Earl of Bedford, by whom he begot John, Robert, and Edward, sons, and Frances, a daughter. Of these, he left surviving only Edward, now Earl of Bath, a future ornament to his most illustrious family by his own virtues and most happy marriage. Do this, and you will live."

BATHONÆ COMTIÆ DEVON PRAEFECTO MEMORIÆ ERGO Ana: Crono: Epi: Mors mihi Ivcrvm ... In grama tum ... Bon Temps viendra Morior ... Orior ... Ad sepul crum ... Finis ... Coronat Ana: Gulielmus Bourchier Luge (si ob Iucrum Heri) Quid sibi vult Tumulus. Quaeve hoec Insignia Iuctus Eft COMES in Svperos ecce LOCUMQ TENES Quare fles, Devonia vel, Bathonia, qvare eXIIt: en bon teMps nVnCo VIenDra patet (Crono) IVLIVS, hoc, mensis fuit AUGUSTISSIMUS, anno Atq SECUNDA (decem junge) SECUNDA dies Non amor, invidia est, DOLOR, euge, lege, (ALME VIATOR) Et difce exemplo VIVERE, disce mori. Sic cecinit, non elevit.

To the memory of William Bourchier, Earl of Bath, Prefect of Devon: Ana: Chrono: Epitaph: Death is my Law ... Then in the grave ... Good Times will come. I die ... I rise ... To the tomb ... The End ... Ana crowns: William Bourchier Mourn (if for the joy of yesterday) What does the Tumulus mean? What does this Emblem of Grief signify? BEHOLD, the Earl holds a place among the heavens. Why do you weep, Devon or Bath, why do you mourn: behold, good times are coming, soon they will come (Chronos) JULY, this, was the most AUGUST month, in the year and the second day (join ten) The second day. Not love, but envy is SORROW, hail, read (kind traveler) And learn to live by example, learn to die. Thus he sang, not did he elevate.

The Plantagenet Arms indicate his being a 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England through his paternal grandfather John Bourchier 2nd Earl Bath and his paternal grandmother Eleanor Manners Countess Bath.

Before 1608 [his brother-in-law] William Cornwallis (age 59) and Lucy Neville (age 58) were married.

In 1609 [his brother-in-law] William Cornwallis (age 60) and Jane Meautys (age 28) were married. The difference in their ages was 32 years.

On 13 Nov 1611 [his brother-in-law] William Cornwallis (age 62) died.

In 1612 [his daughter] Frances Bourchier (age 25) died.

On 09 Aug 1613 [his former brother-in-law] William Russell 1st Baron Russell (age 53) died. His son Francis Russell 4th Earl Bedford (age 20) succeeded 2nd Baron Russell of Thornhaugh.

On 12 Jul 1623 William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath (age 65) died. His son [his son] Edward Bourchier 4th Earl Bath (age 33) succeeded 4th Earl Bath, 14th Baron Fitzwarin.

In 1627 [his former wife] Mary Cornwallis Countess Bath died.

John Russell and Elizabeth Cooke were married. The difference in their ages was 26 years; she, unusually, being older than him. He the son of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford and Margaret St John Countess Bedford.

Francis Russell and Juliana or Eleanor Unknown were married. He the son of Francis Russell 2nd Earl Bedford and Margaret St John Countess Bedford.

William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath 1557-1623 appears on the following Descendants Family Trees:

Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York 1415-1495

Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke York 1411-1460

Royal Ancestors of William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath 1557-1623

Kings Wessex: Great x 16 Grand Son of King Edmund "Ironside" I of England

Kings Gwynedd: Great x 14 Grand Son of Owain "Great" King Gwynedd

Kings Seisyllwg: Great x 19 Grand Son of Hywel "Dda aka Good" King Seisyllwg King Deheubarth

Kings Powys: Great x 14 Grand Son of Maredudd ap Bleddyn King Powys

Kings England: Great x 6 Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Kings Scotland: Great x 12 Grand Son of William "Lion" I King Scotland

Kings Franks: Great x 12 Grand Son of Louis VII King Franks

Kings France: Great x 8 Grand Son of Philip "The Fair" IV King France

Ancestors of William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath 1557-1623

Great x 4 Grandfather: William Bourchier 1st Count Eu

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Bourchier Baron Fitzwarin Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne of Gloucester Plantagenet Countess Eu and Stafford Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Fulk Bourchier 10th Baron Fitzwarin 2 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Hankford

Great x 3 Grandmother: Thomasine Hankford 9th Baroness Fitzwarin 11 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Elizabeth Fitzwarin 8th Baroness Fitzwarin 10 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 1 Grandfather: John Bourchier 1st Earl Bath 3 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Dynham 8 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Dynham 7 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Philippa Lovell 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Dynham Baroness Fitzwarin 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard Arches of Eythrop

Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Arches

GrandFather: John Bourchier 2nd Earl Bath 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Giles Daubeney

Great x 3 Grandfather: William Daubeney

Great x 2 Grandfather: Giles Daubeney 1st Baron Daubeney 7 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Stourton of Preston 5 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Alice Stourton 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 1 Grandmother: Cecily Daubeney Baroness Fitzwarin 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Arundell

Great x 3 Grandfather: John Arundell 8 x Great Grand Son of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Margaret Burghesh 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King John "Lackland" of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Elizabeth Arundell Baroness Offaly 8 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Chideock 6th Baron Fitzpayn 9 x Great Grand Son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Catherine Chideocke 7 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Catherine Lumley 6 x Great Grand Daughter of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Father: John Bourchier 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Manners

Great x 3 Grandfather: Robert Manners

Great x 4 Grandmother: Agnes aka Anne Middleton

Great x 2 Grandfather: Robert Manners 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Robert Ogle

Great x 3 Grandmother: Joan Ogle 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Matilda Grey 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 1 Grandfather: George Manners 11th Baron Ros Helmsley 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Thomas Ros 8th Baron Ros Helmsley 4 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Thomas Ros 9th Baron Ros Helmsley 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Eleanor Beauchamp Duchess Somerset 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Eleanor Ros 5 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: John Tiptoft 1st Baron Tiptoft

Great x 3 Grandmother: Philippa Tiptoft Baroness Ros Helmsley 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Joyce Charleton Baroness Tiptoft 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

GrandMother: Eleanor Manners Countess Bath 4 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Arnold St Leger 4 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: John St Leger 5 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 2 Grandfather: Thomas St Leger 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward "Longshanks" I of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: James Donet

Great x 3 Grandmother: Margery Donet

Great x 1 Grandmother: Anne St Leger Baroness Ros Helmsley 3 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Richard of Conisbrough 1st Earl Cambridge Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 3 Grandfather: Richard Plantagenet 3rd Duke York Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Anne Mortimer 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 2 Grandmother: Anne York Duchess Exeter 2 x Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandfather: Ralph Neville 1st Earl of Westmoreland 5 x Great Grand Son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England

Great x 3 Grandmother: Cecily "Rose of Raby" Neville Duchess York Great Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

Great x 4 Grandmother: Joan Beaufort Countess of Westmoreland Grand Daughter of King Edward III of England

William Bourchier 3rd Earl Bath 6 x Great Grand Son of King Edward III of England

GrandFather: Thomas Kitson

Mother: Frances Kitson

Great x 1 Grandfather: John Donnington of Stoke Newington

GrandMother: Margaret Donnington Countess Bath