ABSTRACT
One of the most energetic members of the middle party was Bartholomew de Badlesmere, a knight from Kent5, who held certain lands of the archbishop of Canterbury by serjeanty of being his chamberlain6. Badlesmere first obtained a place of importance through the influence of the earl of Gloucester whose knight he was. He frequently received money from the exchequer on his master's behalf7. When Gloucester was engaged in the Scottish war, Badlesmere led bands of knights and others in his company8. After the death of the earl of Lincoln, when Gloucester became keeper of the realm, Badlesmere took a part in the administration9. He also wrote to William de Ayremynne on behalf of John de Chelmsford10, clerk of the earl of Gloucester11. Besides the training in administrative work which he received he also obtained grants of manors from the king at Gloucester's request12. A song-writer of the time attributes the death of Gloucester to the treachery of Badlesmere, who seeing
Pembroke,Hereford and Badlesmere formed the baronial basis upon which the middle party was constructed. Though the end of 1316 saw them still acting as individual supporters of the king, in a few months they were to become united in purpose. In December, 13161, Pembroke2, Badlesmere, and the bishops of Ely and Norwich were commissioned to go on an embassy to John XXII who had recently been elevated to the papal throne. The mission had two objects. It desired papal help against the Scots and a bull to relieve the king of his oath to the Ordinances3. The king would naturally choose for such a mission men who felt well disposed to his cause. John de Hothum, bishop of Ely, had been a king's clerk, had acted as Gavaston's deputy as keeper of the forest north of Trent and had been escheator north of Trent4. John Salmon, bishop of Norwich, though he had not yet taken any part in the administration, was to obtain office under the middle party. In this mission to Avignon may be found the origins of that party5. By the activity of the middle party within two years three of this mission had attained high office. Pembroke sought no great office for himself. He was prepared to stand in the background and direct the activities. Unfortunately, on the return from this mission, Pembroke was captured and imprisoned in France6. This delayed the progress of the party for some months. It was not until July, 13177, that he was able to return to England. By that time the bishop of Ely was already treasurer8 and the first step in the plan of the middle party had been secured. Pembroke and Badlesmere had acted in association before this mission9; but it drew them closer and on their return they continued to act together. On 13 July, 1317, for instance, the king wrote to them jointly, acknowledging the receipt of their letters and approving of their action in remaining until a certain date for the business concerning John Botetourte10.
