Sir Robert Bourchier Knight, Baron
- Born: Abt 1306, Stansted Hall, Halstead, Essex, England
- Marriage: Margaret de Praers 141
- Died: 1349, England about age 43 141
 Information about this person:
• Background Information. 141
Robert Bourchier, son and heir of John Bourchier, Burgchier, or Bousser, of Stansted, in Halstead, Essex, one of the Judges of the Common Pleas (1321), by Helen, daughter and heir of Walter of Colchester, of Stansted afsd., was a "Man at Arms" as early as 1324; was M.P. for Essex 1329, 1330, 1332, & 1339; succeeded his father in 1329, and in July 1334 is said to have been made Chief Justice of the King's Bench, but does not appear to have accepted the office.
In 1337, Robert Bourchier was in the French Wars, at the battle of Cadsant. He was appointed Lord Chancellor by the King (being the 2nd layman ever so appointed), and sworn in 14 Dec. 1340, with a grant of £500 a year beyond the accustomed fees. His appointment was unpopular, and he resigned it 28 Oct. 1341. He was one of 96 persons summoned to a Council (which, though often so regarded, was not a regular Parliament) 25 Feb. (1341/2) 16 Edw. III, and was summoned to Parliament 20 Nov. (1348) 22 Edw. III to 10 Mar. (1348/9) 23 Edw. III, by writs directed Roberto Burgchier, whereby he may be held to have become Lord Bourchier or Burgchier. He again distinguished himself as a warrior, and fought at the battle of Crécy 26 Aug. 1346, and was twice (1347 and 1349) engaged as one of the Embassy to treat for peace.
Robert Bourchier married Margaret, daughter and heir of Sir Thomas Prayers, of Sible Hedingham, Essex, by Anne, daughter and heir of Hugh of Essex. Robert Bourchier died of the plague, 1349, and was buried at Halstead.
~Cokayne's Complete Peerage, 2nd Edition, Vol. II, p. 246
Robert married Margaret de Praers, daughter of Sir Thomas de Praers Knight and Anne de Essex.141 (Margaret de Praers was born about 1307 in Prayers Manor, Sible Hedingham, Essex, England.)
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