John Bourchier, 1st Earl of Bath
John Bourchier, 1st Earl of Bath was named Earl of Bath in 1536. He was feudal baron of Bampton in Devon.
Small monumental brass (c. one ft high) in St Brannock's Church, Braunton, Devon, of Lady Elizabeth Bourchier (d.1548), daughter of John Bourchier, 1st Earl of Bath & wife of Edward Chichester (d.1522) of Raleigh, Pilton. She kneels at prayer before a prie dieu on which is an open book. Gothic text inscription under: "Here lyethe Lady Elyzabethe Bowcer daughter of John Erle of Bathe & sumtyme wyffe to Edwarde Chechester Esquyer the whyche Elyzabethe decessyd the XXXIIIth day of August in the yere of O_r Lorde God M Vc (i.e. 5*c)
The feudal barony of Bampton was one of eight feudal baronies in Devonshire which existed during the mediaeval era, and had its caput at Bampton Castle within the manor of Bampton.
Remnant of the motte of Bampton Castle, ancient seat of the feudal barons of Bampton; looking eastwards, with town of Bampton beyond to right
Bampton Castle motte viewed in winter
View of Bampton, with castle mound to right, painted in 1800 by Rev. John Swete (died 1821)
Arms of Sapcotes Sable, three dovecotes argent impaling Dinham Gules, four fusils in fess ermine (quartering Arches Gules, three arches argent), Bampton Church
