Humphrey de Bohun, 7th Earl of Hereford

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Humphrey de Bohun, 7th Earl of Hereford (also known as Humphrey X. de Bohun), was an English magnate who played a significant role in the politics and military campaigns of his time. Born on March 25, 1342, he was the son of William de Bohun, 1st Earl of Northampton, and Elizabeth de Badlesmere.

Humphrey's family had a rich history, with his father being originally a poor knight as a younger son but inheriting significant property from his mother's brother in 1338. After his parents' deaths, Humphrey became the heir to their possessions, including the titles Earl of Northampton and Earl of Hereford, making him one of the richest magnates in England. He also inherited the office of Lord High Constable of England.

In 1363, after officially coming of age, Humphrey led an escort from Dover to London, accompanied by King Peter I of Cyprus. The following year, he was accepted into the Order of the Garter and participated in the sack of Alexandria during King Peter's visit to England. In 1369, he led an embassy to Milan to marry Violante, a daughter of Duke Galeazzo II Visconti, with the aim of negotiating with Lionel of Antwerp, 1st Duke of Clarence.

During the Hundred Years' War, Humphrey was one of the commanders of the English army in the unsuccessful French campaign. In 1371, he traveled to Brittany as an English envoy and played a key role in a naval battle against the Flemish fleet off the Breton coast. The English emerged victorious, capturing 25 ships and numerous prisoners, including Jan Peterson.

Humphrey's personal life was marked by his marriage to Joan Fitzalan, daughter of Richard FitzAlan, with whom he had several daughters. His wife also played an important role in the family's social and cultural life, as evident from the book "Women of the English Nobility and Gentry, 1066-1500" edited by Jennifer Ward.

Despite his significant influence on English politics and society, Humphrey de Bohun died on January 16, 1373. His legacy continued to shape the course of English history, with his family's wealth and power remaining a prominent feature of the country's nobility for generations to come.