William de Bohun, 1st Earl of Northampton

William de Bohun, 1st Earl of Northampton, KG, was an English nobleman and military commander born around 1312. As the fifth son of Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford, and Elizabeth of Rhuddlan, he descended from notable lineage including Edward I of England and Queen consort Eleanor of Castile. His twin brother was Edward. William de Bohun’s military and diplomatic careers were distinguished; he assisted in the arrest of Roger Mortimer in 1330, which facilitated Edward III’s rise to power. He was rewarded with properties and titles, including the creation of Earl of Northampton in 1337. A Knight of the Garter from 1349, he served as High Sheriff of Rutland until his death and was a successful commander at the Battle of Morlaix in 1342, employing strategic use of pit traps. His diplomatic skills were evident in his negotiation of treaties with France and efforts to secure the release of King David Bruce of Scots from English captivity. From 1352 to 1355, he held the senior naval command as Admiral of the Northern Seas, Fleet.