John Bourne (born by 1518), was most likely the son of Walter Bourne of Wick, Worcestershire, became a prominent figure in the 16th century. He married Dorothy Lygon by 1546, and they had two sons and three daughters. He was educated at Lincoln's Inn and knighted on October 2, 1553.
Bourne began his career in the household of William Fitzwilliam, Earl of Southampton, serving as his clerk and later as clerk of the privy seal from 1539-1542. He started his parliamentary career during this period, likely representing Midhurst in 1542. After Southampton's death in 1542, Bourne's career advancement outside Worcestershire was less clear until his appointment as a Privy Councillor and Principal Secretary in August 1553, serving until April 1558. His ties to prominent Catholics like Sir John Gage and Sir John Baker may have contributed to his rapid promotion upon Mary I's ascension.
Throughout his career, he held numerous significant positions including :
* Justice of the Peace for Worcestershire (1545, 1554-1558/59)
* Escheator for Worcestershire (1546-1547)
* Commissioner for chantries (1548), relief (1550), church goods (1553), crown land sales (1554), and heresy (1557)
* Master of the Hunt in Malvern Chase (1553)
* Steward of Edmonton manor (1553) and Churchdown (by 1552)
* Surveyor of Bishop Gilbert Bourne's estates (1555)
* High Steward of Worcester's lands (by 1564)
Personal Life & Controversies
Despite confusion regarding his parentage, it's confirmed that John Bourne was a cousin, not a brother or nephew, to Gilbert Bourne, Bishop of Bath and Wells. John's father was most likely Walter Bourne of Wick.
He was active in local Worcestershire affairs under Edward VI and likely supported Mary I during the succession crisis, receiving a manor from the Queen for his service against Northumberland. He was knighted at Mary's coronation, a recognition of both his status and the Queen's trust.
Though described by the Spanish ambassador as a "retiring man," Bourne was involved in court politics, advocating for the release of the Earl of Devon. He also participated in examining suspected traitors and heretics. While some accounts, like Foxe's, portray him as cruel, a Protestant who experienced his interrogation noted Bourne's unexpected kindness and attempts at reasoning. He was also a founder-member of the Russia Company in 1555. Bourne was a consistent presence in Mary's Parliaments, often taking a leading role in the House of Commons despite also receiving a writ of assistance to the Lords. He sponsored several bills, including the successful Act for the taking of musters (1558) and one for keeping livestock. He prospered during Mary's reign, acquiring significant landholdings in Worcestershire, including Upton, Oddingley, Ombersley, Pircote Grange, and Holt. He also gained the advowson of several livings and a license to retain 40 men. In 1555, he secured a new charter for Worcester that granted him and his household exemptions from tolls and city court jurisdiction.
Later Life and Decline
Bourne was dismissed from his secretary-ship six months before Mary's death and from the Council at Elizabeth's accession. He also lost his position on the Worcestershire bench. In later years, he found it difficult to adjust to life outside court, expressing his longing for his former colleagues.
He strongly opposed Bishop Sandys of Worcester, particularly regarding clerical marriage, leading to significant local disputes. Sandys accused Bourne of defying ecclesiastical laws, including refusing to destroy an altar, holding private masses, and promoting transubstantiation. This resulted in Bourne's brief imprisonment in the Marshalsea. Although he submitted to Sandys, they never reconciled. In 1569, he subscribed to the Act of Uniformity, but was expelled from Lincoln's Inn the following year for non-compliance with ecclesiastical laws, specifically for not attending church or receiving communion and using prohibited rites.
John Bourne died in May 1575. His will, made in 1563, provided for his wife, son, the poor, and servants. His son, Anthony, inherited his property but subsequently sold much of it, marking a swift decline for the Bourne family.