Two Talks: Sir Thomas de Bradeston and the Chantry Chapel
Winterbourne Medieval Barn
Two Talks: The Life and Times of Sir Thomas de Bradeston, and the Chantry Chapel of St Michael at Breadstone
We are delighted to welcome two local historians and archaeologists, Sally Gallia and Neil Baker, to The Barn to share some fascinating insights into Sir Thomas de Bradeston, who was Lord of the Manor of Winterbourne from 1328 until his death in 1360 and had Winterbourne Medieval Barn built in 1342.
The talks start at 7pm in the magnificent Medieval Barn. Seating is unreserved and the doors and bar open from 6.30pm. Each talk will be around 45 minutes each, with time for questions. There will be a short break in-between the talks when refreshments will again be available (cash or card accepted).
Talk 1 by Sally Gallia: Our Very Own Medieval Knight: The Life and Times of Sir Thomas de Bradeston
Sir Thomas de Bradeston, 1st Lord Bradeston, was born in Breadstone in 1290 and rose to prominence in the courts of both Edward II and Edward III. So close did he become to Edward III, reports Smyth, that the King called him his beloved valet, the one who does not cease to stay by our side continuously. Knighted by Edward II, riches were poured upon him by Edward III. He fought at the Battle of Crecy in 1346. Sir Thomas founded a chantry at Breadstone where his first wife, Isabel, was laid to rest. With the demise of Edward II and Sir Thomas moved the family to Winterbourne, but it is recorded that at the end of his long life he returned to Breadstone and died in 1360. So although one of the beautiful effigies in Winterbourne Church is probably his, it seems that he was buried in Breadstone. The chantry has long since disappeared without trace. The search continues.
Talk 2 by Neil Baker: The Chantry Chapel of St Michael, Breadstone
In 1344, that Thomas de Bradeston was granted a licence to appoint a warden of the chapel of St. Michael, Bradeston, and two other chaplains to “…celebrate divine service daily in the chapel for his good estate, for his soul after his death and for the souls of his late wife Isabella and his ancestors and heirs…”. Neil will talk a little about the history of the chantry chapel up to the time it was dissolved, and the work being done by BLAG to rediscover it.
Tickets are £7.50. Book online direct on Ticketsource or via the Barn website. There may be tickets on the door but availability cannot be guaranteed. Free parking on site. The talks will also be available live-streamed on zoom - if you choose this option, we will email you the Zoom joining link before 6pm.
About your speakers:
Sally Gallia developed a love of history and archaeology while living in Turkey for eighteen years. Returning to the UK to live in Breadstone, Sal became acquainted with Sir Thomas de Bradeston and became intent on discovering more about him and the place where he grew up, especially the whereabouts of the chantry in which he seems likely to have been buried.
Neil Baker is a Stroud-based archaeologist, and product of 'Time Team'. Inspired by that TV programme, he did a night school O Level and A level in archaeology, then went back to the University of Bristol to do a degree. Neil currently runs the Heavens Archaeological Research Project, focussing on the landscape history and archaeology of land to the east of Stroud that has recently been purchased by and for the local community.
