| Sir Reginald Bray | |
|---|---|
| Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster[1][2] | |
| In office 13 September 1486 – 24 June 1503 |
|
| Monarch | Henry VII |
| Preceded by | Thomas Metcalfe |
| Succeeded by | John Mordaunt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1440 St. John Bedwardine, Worcestershire |
| Died | 1503 |
| Nationality | English |
Sir Reginald Bray KG (c. 1440 – 1503) the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster under Henry VII, English courtier, and architect of the Henry VII Lady Chapel in Westminster Abbey.
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Sir Reginald was born in Worcester in around 1440, the second son of Sir Richard Bray and educated at the Royal Grammar School Worcester. He was created a Knight of the Bath at the coronation of Henry VII, and, later, a Knight of the Garter. He also became Treasurer and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. In 1496 he was created Steward of the University of Oxford.
Surrey deed C.3273 Grant by Thomas, earl of Ormond, to Reginald Bray, knight, of the lordships or manors of Shire and Vachary in Craneley parish, for his life, reserving the advowson of Shire church and the right of entry into Vachary park to hunt, with easement for the said earl, his servants and horses when staying within the lordship of Shire; Reginald providing a chaplain called 'a chauntry prest' to officiate in the chapel of Vachary manor; with letter of attorney authorising John Westbroke to deliver seisin. 28 January, 1 Henry VII. Seal. A Descriptive Catalogue of Ancient Deeds: Volume 3 pages 340-351
A new man, his most notable achievement in Government was the restructuring of the King's finances and as the administrator of such, including the King's will, from 1485 until his death, he was the equivalent of the Prime Minister.[3]
He continued the work of Edward IV in moving away from the collection of royal revenues through the Exchequer system and instead increasing the application of the Chamber of the Household system to collect money. He was also made paymaster of the unsuccessful operation intended to relieve the Dukedom of Brittany from being annexed by France, although the failures of this mission can in no way be attributed to him.
As well as designing Henry VII's Chapel at Westminster, he also designed St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle and Great Malvern Priory. At St George's Chapel, the vault is sculpted in various places with Sir Reginald's rebus of a hemp bray to signify his support and design of the chapel.
He also took a major role in the construction of Jesus College in Cambridge and was friends with its founder, John Alcock.
He died in 1503 and is buried in St George's Chapel Windsor.
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Thomas Metcalfe |
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 1486–1504 |
Succeeded by Sir John Mordaunt |