James Bassett 1526-1558

Paternal Family Tree: Basset

In 1515 [his father] John Bassett of Tehidy and Umberleigh [aged 53] and [his mother] Honor Grenville Viscountess Lisle [aged 21] were married. The difference in their ages was 32 years.

In 1526 James Bassett was born to John Bassett of Tehidy and Umberleigh [aged 64] and Honor Grenville Viscountess Lisle [aged 32].

In 1529 [his step-father] Arthur Plantagenet 1st Viscount Lisle [aged 64] and [his mother] Honor Grenville Viscountess Lisle [aged 35] were married. She by marriage Viscountess Lisle. The difference in their ages was 29 years. He the illegitmate son of King Edward IV of England and Elizabeth Waite.

On 31st January 1529 [his father] John Bassett of Tehidy and Umberleigh [aged 67] died.

In 1538 James Bassett [aged 12] entered the household of Bishop Stephen Gardiner [aged 55].

In 1553 James Bassett [aged 27] was elected MP Taunton. Nominated by Bishop Stephen Gardiner [aged 70].

In 1554 James Bassett [aged 28] was elected MP Downton.

In 1554 James Bassett [aged 28] was elected MP Devon.

In 1555 James Bassett [aged 29] was elected MP Devon.

Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes

Récits d’un bourgeois de Valenciennes aka The Chronicle of a Bourgeois of Valenciennes is a vivid 14th-century vernacular chronicle written by an anonymous urban chronicler from Valenciennes in the County of Hainaut. It survives in a manuscript that describes local and regional history from about 1253 to 1366, blending chronology, narrative episodes, and eyewitness-style accounts of political, military, and social events in medieval France, Flanders, and the Low Countries. The work begins with a chronological framework of events affecting Valenciennes and its region under rulers such as King Philip VI of France and the shifting allegiances of local nobility. It includes accounts of conflicts, sieges, diplomatic manoeuvres, and the impact of broader struggles like the Hundred Years’ War on urban life in Hainaut. Written from the perspective of a burgher (bourgeois) rather than a monastery or royal court, the chronicle offers a rare lay viewpoint on high politics and warfare, reflecting how merchants, townspeople, and civic institutions experienced the turbulence of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its narrative style combines straightforward reporting of events with moral and civic observations, making it a valuable source for readers interested in medieval urban society, regional politics, and the lived experience of war and governance in pre-modern Europe.

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Before June 1556 James Bassett [aged 30] and Mary Roper [aged 33] were married.

In May 1557 [his son] Philip Bassett was born to James Bassett [aged 31] and [his wife] Mary Roper [aged 34]. He was named after Philip "The Prudent" II King Spain [aged 29] who was godfather by proxy to Philip Basset at his christening at which he gave a great gilt cup.

In 1558 James Bassett [aged 32] was elected MP Devon.

On 21st November 1558 James Bassett [aged 32] died. On 26th November 1558 he was buried at St Ann Blackfriars Church.

Henry Machyn's Diary. 26th November 1558. The xxvj day of November was bered at the Blake Frers in Smythfeld master Bassett [deceased] sqwyre, on of the [privy] chambur with quen Mare; and he had ij whyt branchys, and xij torchys, and iiij gret tapurs, and a harold ... a cote armur, a penon of armes, and ij dosen of [shocheons.]

In 1559 [his son] Charles Bassett was born to James Bassett and [his former wife] Mary Roper [aged 36] posthumously.

On 20th March 1572 [his former wife] Mary Roper [aged 49] died.