The title Baron Bourchier is an abeyant peerage which was created in the Peerage of England in 1342 for Sir Robert Bourchier, who had been Lord High Chancellor from 1340–41. The title passed through the male line until the death of the third baron in 1409 when it passed to his only daughter, Elizabeth. Upon her death in 1433, it was inherited by her cousin, Henry, who was later created Viscount Bourchier in 1446 and Earl of Essex in 1461. On the death of the 2nd Earl of Essex (the 1st earl's grandson) in 1540, the title passed to his only child, Anne. She was married to Lord Parr (later created Earl of Essex in 1543 and Marquess of Northampton in 1547) who later divorced Anne and had their children declared illegitimate so they were unable to inherit the barony. When Anne died in 1571, the