Background
Reginald Bray was born in the parish of St John Bedwardine, near Worcester, Worcestershire, England about 1440; the second son of Sir Richard Bray, one of the privy council of Henry VI.
Reginald Bray was born in the parish of St John Bedwardine, near Worcester, Worcestershire, England about 1440; the second son of Sir Richard Bray, one of the privy council of Henry VI.
Reginald Bray was educated at the Royal Grammar School Worcester.
Reginald Bray was created a Knight of the Bath at the coronation of Henry VII, and, later, a Knight of the Garter. He also became Treasurer and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. In 1496 he was created Steward of the University of Oxford.
Surrey deed C.3273 28 January, 1 Henry VII. Seal.
He continued the work of Edward IV in moving away from the collection of royal revenues through the Exchequer system and instead increasing the application of the Chamber of the Household system to collect money. He was also made paymaster of the unsuccessful operation intended to relieve the Dukedom of Brittany from being annexed by France, although the failures of this mission can in no way be attributed to him.
As well as designing Henry VII"s Chapel at Westminster, he also designed Street George"s Chapel in Windsor Castle and Great Malvern Priory. Bray died without issue on 5 August 1503, and was buried in Street George"s Chapel, Windsor.
Bray had a brother of the whole blood, John Bray, and an elder half brother, also named John Bray.
Bray was created a Knight of the Bath at the coronation and afterwards a Knight of the Garter. He played a vital role in organizing Buckingham's Rebellion against Richard III. His services in repressing the Cornish rebels were rewarded with a gift of estates and the title of Knight banneret. His most notable achievement in Government was the restructuring of the King's finances. He also played a major role in the construction of Jesus College in Cambridge.
Reginald Bray was a member of the parliament summoned in the 11th year of Henry VII’s reign.
Bray was married to Katherine Hussey.
