Origins (1360-1772)
tlemen passed through Jersey. Clement Le Hardy, associating with them, had formed his own opinions of Richard. Now Henry, Earl of Richmond, of the houses of Gaunt and Lancaster, Pretender to the throne and later Henry VII, had fled from England and was gathering adherents in Brittany.
In 1483 the Duke of Buckingham rose against the King, and Henry decided it was time for him to strike his blow for the crown. He embarked with his retainers. But a storm arose, and his fleet was scattered. The Severn overflowed its banks, to the complete discomfiture of Buckingham. The venture failed completely.
Henry's ship, driven out of its course and separated from the rest of his fleet, sighted the Jersey coast. The Earl landed, alone and unprotected. He found his way to the house at St. Martin, and begged Le Hardy for shelter until he could obtain leave from the French King to re-enter his dominions. Clement offered him all the hospitality at his command, entertained him boldly in spite of Richard's orders for his apprehension, which were published in the island, accompanied by anathemas and threats—not to be too lightly regarded at the time.
Hardy eventually conducted the Earl safely to the Norman shore, at considerable hazard to his own life. As Richmond took his leave of his staunch retainer on the French beach, he gave him his ring as an earnest of future favors, with the words, "Sic—donec—" ("Thus —until—"). These words now form one of the mottoes on the Le Hardy arms.
Two years later Henry tried again, this time aided by France. He landed at Milford Haven, defeated Richard
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