X-Nico

4 unusual facts about James Basset


James Basset

When James was two years old in 1528 his father died and shortly thereafter his mother re-married to Arthur Plantagenet, 1st Viscount Lisle, an illegitimate son of King Edward IV, half-brother of Queen Elizabeth of York, and uncle of King Henry VIII, who was appointed by the latter Lord Deputy of Calais (1533-40).

James Basset (1526–1558) was a gentleman from an ancient Devonshire family who became a servant of Stephen Gardiner (c. 1483-1555), Bishop of Winchester, by whom he was nominated MP for Taunton in 1553, for Downton in 1554, both episcopal boroughs.

To his unborn child, Charles Basset, he left the lease of his London townhouse near the Savoy Palace in The Strand.

In 1538 he entered the household of Stephen Gardiner (c. 1483-1555), Bishop of Winchester, whom he served firstly as a gentleman of the household, remaining in his faithful service for thirteen years.



see also