He was the fifth son of Humphrey de Bohun, 4th Earl of Hereford, and was created Earl of Northampton in 1137.
He served variously in Brittany and in Scotland, and was present at the great English victories at Sluys and Crecy.
De Bohun was succeeded by his son Humphrey, who also succeeded his uncle and became 7th earl of Hereford.