#11 of 20 star objects - Henry de Bohun ‘maquette’

A bronze statue of Henry resides in the House of Lords, along with other Bishops and barons that are associated with the sealing of this great charter. His head- quarters were in Trowbridge- making this town one of only 2 in the South West that can claim to have their very own Magna Carta baron! This plaster ‘maquette’ was used as the mould from which his bronze statue was cast and Trowbridge Museum has been lucky enough to secure its loan from Canterbury Museums Service. 

Plaster 'maquette' on the way to Trowbridge Museum

Henry de Bohun (1176-1220), earl of Hereford, played an important role in the revolt of the barons against King John. Henry married Maud (Mathilda, died 1236), daughter of Geoffrey (Geoffrey Fitz Piers de Mandavill), son of Pierre de Mandeville, earl of Essex.




The Mandeville family descended from Geoffrey, companion of William the Conqueror. His son was constable of the Tower of London. William died childless at Rouen on 14 November 1189, leaving his wealth to his sister, Maud.




Then King John imposed a heavy tax to maintain the campaign of 1213-1214 to prevent the crushing of a coalition formed by England, Flanders, and the German Empire. This caused a revolt of barons in which Henry took an active part. The revolt ended with the sealing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede (Surrey) on 12 July 1215. The lands that had been confiscated from Henry were returned and the 25 lords took it upon themselves to make sure the charter was enforced.




John died on October 19, 1216, but Henry de Bohon did not ally himself with the new king, Henry III.
Henry de Bohun died 1 June 1220 while on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Earl Henry was buried in the chapter house of Llanthony secunda priory, near Gloucester, the traditional burial place of the de Bohun family.  He was succeeded in the title by his son, Humphrey, who was to live until 1275.

 

Henry on display in Trowbridge Museum

 

More information relating to Henry de Bohun can be seen in Andy Milroy's book - 'Henry de Bohun - Trowbridge Magna Carta Baron' - on sale in Trowbridge Museum.