Thomas de Berkeley, 3rd Baron Berkeley
Born1293 or 1296
Died27 October 1361
Gloucestershire
NationalityEnglish
PredecessorMaurice de Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley
SuccessorMaurice de Berkeley, 4th Baron Berkeley
Spouse(s)1. Margaret Mortimer
2. Katherine, Lady Berkeley (aka Clivedon)
Children9
Parent(s)Maurice de Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley and Eva la Zouche

Thomas de Berkeley (c. 1293 or 1296 – 27 October 1361), known as The Rich, feudal baron of Berkeley, of Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire, England, was a peer. His epithet, and that of each previous and subsequent head of his family, was coined by John Smyth of Nibley (d. 1641), steward of the Berkeley estates, the biographer of the family and author of Lives of the Berkeleys.

Origins

He was the eldest son and heir of Maurice de Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley by his wife, Eva la Zouche.[1]

Career

He was imprisoned with his father and younger brother Maurice, following the failure of the baronial revolt against Edward II. He was released in late 1326, probably due to the influence of his father-in-law Roger Mortimer.[2] In April 1327 he was made joint custodian with his brother-in-law Sir John Maltravers of the deposed King Edward II, who they took custody of at Kenilworth Castle and transferred to Berkeley Castle.[3] According to his own account at his trial in 1330, he was later commanded to relinquish control of Berkeley Castle to Maltravers and Sir Thomas Gournay. Leaving the king there with heavy cheere perceiving what violence was intended, he went to stay at his manor of Bradley. The king was murdered at Berkeley Castle during his absence.[4] Although modern historians have accepted Smyth's doubts about this version of events, it is possible that it was the truth.[5] Despite his acquittal Berkeley spent the following decade under a cloud, before being restored to royal favour in the 1340s.[6]

Marriages and children

Arms of Berkeley ("Cornerwise"): Gules, a chevron between ten crosses pattée six in chief and four in base argent

He married twice:

Death and succession

He died on 27 October 1361 and was buried at Berkeley alongside his second wife.[16]

References

  1. ^ a b c Wells-Furby, Bridget (2004). A Catalogue of the Medieval Manuscripts of Berkeley Castle. Vol. 17. Bristol & Gloucestershire Archaeological Society. p. lv.
  2. ^ Barlow, Jill; Smith, David (2015). "Introduction". Edward II: His Last Months and Monument. pp. 3–4.
  3. ^ Barlow & Smith 2015, p. 29.
  4. ^ Smyth, John (1883). Lives of the Berkeleys. Vol. 1. p. 291.
  5. ^ Barlow & Smith 2015, p. 33.
  6. ^ a b Wells-Furby 2004, p. xxxvii.
  7. ^ Smyth 1883, p. 345.
  8. ^ Smyth. Lives of the Berkeleys. p. 298.
  9. ^ Smyth 1883, p. 377.
  10. ^ Smyth 1883, pp. 347–8.
  11. ^ a b Waterton, Edmund (1879). Pietas Mariana Britannica. p. 141.
  12. ^ Wells-Furby. A Catalogue of the Medieval Manuscripts of Berkeley Castle. p. 540.
  13. ^ Smyth. Lives of the Berkeleys. p. 346.
  14. ^ Smyth 1883, pp. 348–9.
  15. ^ "BERKELEY, Sir John I (1352-1428), of Beverstone castle, Glos. - History of Parliament Online". www.historyofparliamentonline.org.
  16. ^ Smyth 1883, pp. 357.
Peerage of England Preceded byMaurice de Berkeley Baron Berkeley 1326–1361 Succeeded byMaurice de Berkeley
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