Burwash, Henry

Burwash, Henry an English prelate of the 14th century, was named from Burwash, Sussex. "He was of noble alliance, but, when this is said, all is said to his commendation, being otherwise neither good for Church nor state, sovereign nor subjects; covetous, ambitious rebellious, injurious." He was recommended by his kinsman, Bartholomew de Badilismer, baron of Leeds, in Kent, to Edward II, who preferred him bishop of Lincoln. It was not long before he fell under the king's displeasure, his temporalities were seized, though afterwards, on his submission, restored. He retained his old grudge, and assisted the queen in the deposition of her husband. He was twice lord-treasurer, once chancellor, and once sent as ambassador to the duke of Bavaria. He died in 1340. The story goes that after his death. he was condemned as viridis viridarius (a green forester), because in his lifetime he had enclosed other men's grounds into his park. See Fuller, Worthies of England (ed. Nuttall), iii, 248.