Simon de Burley

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Simon de Burley was holder of the offices of Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and Constable of Dover Castle between 1384-88.

De Burley was one of the most influential men in the court of King Richard II of England. Although of humble origin, he was brought up with Edward, the Black Prince; they became intimate friends, and De Burley was raised to become a tutor to the prince's son, later Richard II. In 1377, king Richard confirmed an annual grant of £100 to de Burley by the King's father along with the custody of Kerwerdyn castle, in terms referring to him as "the King's father's Knight." In the same year, de Burley was given the office of Master of the Falcon, and was appointed constable of Windsor Castle for life. The following year the king further granted Simon de Burley the manor of Chiltenham in Gloucester and the 'fee simple' of the castle and lordship of Llanstephan. In 1382 Richard granted him the office of under-chamberlain of the King's household for life, and appointed him surveyor of the lands in South Wales in the King's hands during the minority of the heir of Edmund Mortimer. In 1384 the King granted him for life the constableship of Dover Castle and the wardenship of the Cinque Ports, and three hundred pounds yearly (for the maintenance of himself, chaplains, etc.) with provision that he exercise the office himself. His long connection with the family of Richard II is indicated by his being named by Joan of Kent, King Richard's mother, as one of the executors of her will in 1385.

In 1388 Simon de Burley along with other favorites of the King was attainted for treason and executed. Simon de Burley enjoyed great popularity amongst the people of Kent, who rose in rebellion at his execution in a show of loyalty to him.

Preceded by: Sir Robert Assheton

Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports 1384–1387

Succeeded by: The Lord Devereux