Simon Burley

Also known as: Simon de Burley / sir Simon / sir Simon Burlie / sir Simon de Burlie · Family: England · Role: knight · First appears: Richard II 35

Simon Burley was the son of John Burley, knight of the garter, and was brought up in his youth under his kinsman Walter Burley. He later became guardian to Richard II, who, on coming to the crown, advanced him to high honours and offices, including knight of the garter, constable of Dover, lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, lord chamberlain, earl of Huntington, and privy councillor.

Simon favoured and leaned to the party of Robert de Vere, Duke of Ireland, with whom he had a faithful friendship, while he was presented as a rival of Richard FitzAlan, Earl of Arundel. In the beginning of the troubles between Richard II and the lords, Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester caused him to be accused of wasting the king’s treasure and withholding soldiers’ pay; he was arrested, called to account, and found in arrears of 250,000 francs.

Before Richard II or his friends could secure his release, Simon was taken from the Tower and beheaded at Tower Hill on Thomas of Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester’s command, “quite contrarie to the kings will or knowledge.” At the parliament his lands were given to Richard II, while in the second year of Henry IV the lands that remained ungranted and unsold were restored to John Burley, son and heir of Roger Burley, Simon’s brother; Thomas Eins was descended from this line.