Not much is known about
the Battle of Bosworth given the importance of the Battle in English History.
Even the actual Battlefield site is questionable. The Battle divided families
if not killed or exiled over a short period of time relationships of the major
players were rebuilt.
The following is a brief history of the Men at Bosworth who were or became related to the Semark of Thornhaugh via marriage in later life or lost lands to a Semark “relative”.
William Sapcote [Yorkist, Richard III] – The husband of Anne Semark. William Sapcote was attained. William’s father did not loose Elton Hall the Sapcote family home as it was in his possession until his death in 1600/1 and not sold to the Proby family until 1617. William Sapcote never had the ownership of Thornhaugh Manor.
David Phelip [Lancastrian, Henry Tudor] – The second husband of Anne Semark. David was from the Welsh Court of Henry Tudor. David’s reward for his part in the Battle of Bosworth was the Manor of North Crawley [Hollowes Manor] in Buckinghamshire the Manor was escheated to the crown through the forfeiture of Viscount Frances Lovell estates at his attainder in 1485. It should be noted that North Crawley, Buckinghamshire had two Manors the other held by another Semark connection the Broughton Family. David Phelip’s never had the ownership of Thornhaugh Manor.
David was Sheriff of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire
David Cecil [Lancastrian, Henry Tudor] – Married a Kinswomen of Anne Seamark and a relation of David Phelip. All references to this David Cecil was that he was very poor and a follower of David Phelip. David Cecil settled in Stamford after Bosworth and was sponsored by David Phelip at national level and by a wealthy trader and Alderman, his father in law John Dichons. David became an Alderman of Stamford. The Cecil’s became one of the most powerful families of England. Family homes include Burghley House and Hatfield House.
Thomas Howard [Yorkist, Richard III] – His son William Howard, Lord Howard married Catherine Howard, this Catherine daughter of John Broughton and Ann Sapcote, Ann Grand-Daughter of Ann Semark and William Sapcote.
Thomas was at the Battle with his father John Howard, Duke of Norfolk. John Howard was killed and Thomas imprisoned. In a twist of fate Thomas was released from imprisonment to fight the Scots by Henry VII – a feat repeated during the reign of Henry VIII, The Battle of Flodden [King James of Scotland killed] was a turning point for the Howards. Thomas Howard had the titles Duke of Norfolk and Earl Marshall restored. The Howard’s became major players in the Tudor Courts.
John Howard, Duke of Norfolk [Yorkist, Richard III] – Father of Thomas Howard
John Howard killed at Bosworth.
Sir John Cheyney [Lancastrian, Henry Tudor] Nephew Thomas Cheyney a favourite of Sir John Cheyney inherited titles. Thomas married Anne Broughton daughter of John Broughton and Ann Sapcote, Ann Grand-Daughter of Ann Semark and William Sapcote.
Renowned for his valour at Bosworth Sir John Cheyney was well rewarded by Henry Tudor, Henry VII. Sir John became a Knight-Banneret, Knight of the Garter, Created Baron Cheney of Shurland and became the Speaker of the House of Commons. His wealth passed to his Nephew Sir Thomas Cheyney Knight, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports [ Original Five Ports: Dover, Hastings, Hythe, Romney, and Sandwich, Recent Lord Warden’s include Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother – The position is vacant !!]
It is known that Thomas Cheyney married Anne Broughton much for her wealth than love which did not please the Russell’s.
Viscount Francis Lovell [Yorkist, Richard III] Minor Part of Estate passed to David Phelips
Escaped capture and went into exile. Titles included: Viscount Lovell; Lord High Chamberlain
& Chief Butler of England; Most Honourable of the Privy council to Richard
III and Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter.