Bryan-167

"By Awny, Amy, or Anne, daughter of Turlogh O'Brien of Thomond by Tanistry, and Bishop of Killaloe, he had an only daughter Joan [Fitzmaurice (Fitzgerald)], first married to James, Earl of Ormond; secondly to Sir Francis Bryan, Knight-Marshal and L J of Ireland, who dying at Clonmell 2 February, 1549, without issue [by Joan]; she married lastly Gerald, Earl of Desmond, and dying in 1564, was buried at Ashkeaton."

Lodge, John & Archdall, Mervyn. The Peerage of Ireland; or, A genealogical history of the present nobility of that kingdom. 1789, p. 71. Dublin: J Moore.

However, The History of Parliament entry for BRYAN, Sir Francis (by 1492-1550), of the Blackfriars, London and Ampthill and Woburn, Bedfordshire, summarizes his marriages and progeny thusly:

Mar. 1522, Philippa, da. and h. of Humphrey Spice of Black Notley, Essex, wid. of John Fortescue of Ponsbourne, Herts.; (2) by 29 Aug. 1548, Joan, da. of James Fitzmaurice (Fitzgerald), 10th Earl of Desmond, wid. of James Butler (d.1546), 9th Earl of Ormond; at least 1s. illegit.

Robert Bryan(t) was born about 1532 most likely at Tor Brian in Devon area. Known as Robert Bryan of Tor Brian. (1)

1. & 3. Colonial Families of the United States, Volume 2 Lineage pg. 151 2. A Biographical Pedigree by Edward A Bryan. 4. The Genealogy of William Cullen Bryant by Robert C. Bryant (1999) Publication: Apt 1C, 5303 S. Kimbark, Chicago, IL 60615 5. Worldconnect.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin reference Number: 124700 6. Hamilton, Rosanna, comp., British Chancery Records, 1386-1558 (database on-line), Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operation Inc 2004. Original data: List of Early Chancery Proceedings, Public Records Office List and Index. 7. Essex, England, Select Church of England Parish Registers, 1518-1960. FHL Film Number: 857071

Based on this reliable reference from 1789, and contrary to references such as Tudors, Robert Bryan(t) is most probably the son of Sir Francis Bryan and Lady Philippa (Spice) Bryan. Sir Francis Bryan is mentioned as Henry Fortescue M.P.'s stepfather and Philippa as Henry's mother in the History of Parliament. "Henry Fortescue b. by 1515, o.s. of John Fortescue of Ponsbourne, Herts. by Philippa, da. and h. of Humphrey Spice of Black Notley, Essex." Henry Fortescue inherited extensive lands in Essex and neighbouring counties from his father, who had married a rich heiress (Philippa). Fortescue's father died when Henry was an infant. In 1522 wardship for Henry was acquired by his stepfather Sir Francis Bryan. historyofparliamentonline.org/volume/1509-1558/member/fortescue-henry-1515-76

According to this reliable reference from 1789, Lady Joan (Fitzgerald) Bryan and Sir Francis Bryan "had no issue" that is, they had no children together. Further, Joan was first married to Earl James Butler and they had several children. Sir Francis and Lady Joan married after Earl James died in 1546. Sir Francis died 2 Feb 1549. Sir Francis's previous wife Lady Philippa Spice Bryan born 1497, died about 1534. Widow Philippa was daughter/heir of Sir Humphrey Spice... a logical choice for Sir Francis, Henry VIII's courtier. Philippa's prior husband, Sir John Fortescue, died 8 Aug 1517. Philippa and Sir John had son Henry Fortescue M.P. circa 1515. Sir Edmund Bryan born 1518. Robert Bryan(t) was born 1532, while Francis and Philippa were married. Edmund would be only 14, not likely Robert's father.

The Peerage of Ireland...vol 1,, page 71 published 1789. https://archive.org/details/peerageirelando00archgoog