Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford

Humphrey (VII) de Bohun, born around 1276 at Pleshey Castle, Essex, was a prominent Anglo-Norman noble of the Welsh Marches. He succeeded his father as the Earl of Hereford and Essex, and Constable of England in 1298. He held the title of Bearer of the Swan Badge, evident on his personal seal, and was involved in military campaigns in Scotland under Edward I. He was known for his opposition to Edward II, being one of the Ordainers who sought to curtail the king’s excesses. Humphrey participated in the First War of Scottish Independence and the Battle of Bannockburn, where despite being out of favor with Edward II, he led a large company of Welsh and English knights and archers. He was captured but later ransomed in a notable exchange for Scottish prisoners. Humphrey de Bohun married Elizabeth of Rhuddlan, and they had multiple children, including notable heirs to his titles and estates.