Mathew Swetenham (died 29 December 1416) was Henry IV's bowbearer. He is commemorated by a brass effigy at St. Mary's Church in Blakesley.

Life

Mathew Swetenham first appears in the historical records when

Richard II Richard II (6 January 1367 – ), also known as Richard of Bordeaux, was King of England from 1377 until he was deposed in 1399. He was the son of Edward the Black Prince, Prince of Wales, and Joan, Countess of Kent. Richard's father died ...

'granted him 6 pence a day being retained as Saggitarius dei Corona (Archer of the Crown)'. In 1390, he was appointed Yeoman of the Chamber. After Richard II was deposed in 1399, Swetenham transferred his allegiance to Henry IV who granted him £30 per year from properties in Northamptonshire. In 1405, he was made Yeoman of the King's Chamber, armour bearer and High Sheriff of Northamptonshire. Following Henry IV's death in 1413, Swetenham continued to serve under Henry V. The Swettenham's country house was Somerford Booths Hall. Mathew Swetenham was an ancestor of the British colonial administrator Sir Frank Swettenham.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Swetenham, Matthew Date of birth unknown 1416 deaths Northamptonshire Yeomanry officers