, a brave English commander, was second son to Geoffrey Vere, who
, a brave English commander, was second son to Geoffrey Vere, who was third son of John Vere,
earl of Oxford. He was born in 1554, and applying himself early to the military art, became one of the most famous generals of his time. He served first among the
forces sent by queen Elizabeth, under the command of
the earl of Leicester, to the assistance of the States of
Holland, where he gave proofs of a warlike genius, and
undaunted courage. In 1588, he was part of the English garrison which gallantly defended Bergen -op- Zoom
against the prince of Parma and “that true courage
might not want its due reward or distinction,
” says Camden, “the lord Willoughby, who was general of the English after Leicester’s departure, conferred the honour of
knighthood on sir Francis Vere, whose great fame commenced from this siege.
”