Henry Bourchier, 1st Earl of Essex

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Henry Bourchier, 5th Baron Bourchier, 1st Viscount Bourchier, 1st Earl of Essex (c. 1404/c. 1406 – April 4, 1483), was the eldest son of William Bourchier and Anne Plantagenet. His mother was a granddaughter of Edward III and, through her mother, great-great-granddaughter of Edward I. He was thus a great-grandson of Edward III.

He inherited the title of Lord (or Baron) Bourchier from his cousin Elizabeth on her death in 1433, became 1st Viscount Bourchier in 1446, a Knight of the Garter in 1452, and was finally created Earl of Essex in 1461.

He was Lord High Treasurer from 29 May 1455 - 5 October 1456, 28 July 1460 - 14 April 1462, and 22 April 1471 - 4 April 1483. He also became Justice in Eyre south of the Trent in 1461, holding that title till his death.

[edit] Marriage and issue

Prior to 1426, he married Isabel Plantagenet, another great-grandchild of Edward III (through her father - she was also Edward's great-great-great granddaughter, through her mother). She was elder sister to Richard Plantagenet, and aunt to Richard's two sons, the future Edward IV and Richard III.

Henry and Isabel were parents to at least ten children.

• William Bourchier, Viscount Bourchier (d. 1480). Married Anne Woodville, daughter of Richard Woodville, 1st Earl Rivers and Jacquetta of Luxembourg. They were parents of Henry Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Essex.
• Henry Bourchier (d. 1462). Married Elizabeth de Scales, Baroness Scales.
• Humphrey Bourchier, 1st Baron Cromwell (d. April 14, 1471). Killed in the Battle of Barnet.
• John Bourchier (d. 1495). Married first Elizabeth Ferrers and secondly Elizabeth Chichelle.
• Edward Bourchier (d. December 30, 1460). Killed in the Battle of Wakefield.
• Thomas Bourchier (d. 1492). Married Isabella Barre.
• Florence Bourchier (d. 1525).
• Fulk Bourchier. Considered to have died young.
• Hugh Bourchier. Considered to have died young.
• Isabella Bourchier. Considered to have died young.

On his death she did not remarry and died more than a year later.

Peerage of England
New creation	Earl of Essex 5th creation 1461 – 1483	Succeeded by Henry Bourchier
	Viscount Bourchier 1446 – 1483
Preceded by Elizabeth Bourchier	Baron Bourchier 1433 – 1483