'Sir Reginald Bray' KG (''c.''
1440–
1503) was an
English courtier, advisor to
Henry VII and architect of the
Henry VII Lady Chapel in
Westminster Abbey.
Sir Reginald was born in
Worcester in around
1440, the second son of
Sir Richard Bray and educated at the
Royal Grammar School Worcester. He 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 and became Speaker of the House of Commons.
A
new man, his most notable achievement in Government was the restructuring of the King's finances. 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
St George's Chapel in
Windsor Castle and Great
Malvern Priory. At St George's Chapel, the vault is carved in various places with the insignia of hemp bray as a pun on Sir Reginald's name and to signify his support and design of the chapel.
He also took a major role in the construction of
Jesus College in
Cambridge and was friends with its founder,
John Alcock.
He died in
1503 and is buried in St George's Chapel Windsor.