Sir Thomas Willys, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Thomas Willys, 1st Baronet (born around 1612 – died 17 November 1701), was an important person from Fen Ditton in Cambridgeshire, England. He held several significant roles, including being a Member of Parliament for both Cambridgeshire and Cambridge. He also served as the Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire. A Baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in a family.
Early Life
Thomas Willys was born around 1612 and was baptized on September 6th of that year. His father was Richard Willys, a lawyer from Fen Ditton, and his mother was Jane Henmarsh.
Thomas had a younger brother named Sir Richard. Richard was a soldier who fought for the King during the English Civil War. However, after the war ended and the King returned to power (a time called the Restoration), Richard was not welcomed at court. This was because he had secretly worked for Oliver Cromwell during the time England was without a king (called the Interregnum).
When Thomas's father passed away on October 16, 1628, Thomas inherited his family's lands and properties.
Career and Public Service
Thomas Willys was given the special title of a Baronet by King Charles I on December 15, 1641. This made him Sir Thomas Willys, 1st Baronet of Fen Ditton.
He became a Member of Parliament for Cambridgeshire in 1659. The next year, in 1660, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Cambridge. From 1665 to 1666, he served as the Sheriff of Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire. A Sheriff was a very important local official responsible for law and order.
In 1694, Thomas Willys was chosen to be a Bailiff for the Bedford Level Corporation. This group was in charge of draining and managing the land in a large area called the Fens. He held this position until he died.
In 1660, King Charles II thought about creating a new group of knights called the Knights of the Royal Oak. This was meant to reward people who had supported him. Sir Thomas Willys was considered for this honor. It was estimated that his lands in Fen Ditton were worth about £1000 a year at that time. However, the King decided not to create the new order of knights, as he thought it might cause disagreements. Instead, they decided to have a day of celebration.
Family Life
Around 1633, Thomas Willys married Anne. She was the daughter of Sir John Wyld. Anne was born in Essex and passed away on October 20, 1685, when she was 75 years old.
Thomas's son, Sir John Willys, became the 2nd Baronet after his father's death in 1701.
Death
Sir Thomas Willys died on November 17, 1701. His will, which is a legal document stating how his property should be handled, was dated November 13 and officially approved on November 25, 1701.
