Stephen Thurnham facts for kids

Stephen of Thurnham (died March 6, 1214) was an important person in British history. He worked as a justice (like a judge) and an administrator (someone who manages government affairs) for the kings of England.

Stephen was the son of Robert of Thurnham, a landowner from Kent, England. He also had a younger brother, also named Robert. Stephen first became known in 1170 when he and his father helped a religious place called Combwell Priory.

Serving the Kings

Stephen of Thurnham was very loyal and skilled. He served two English kings: King Henry II and his son, King Richard I.

Working for King Henry II

In 1188, King Henry II gave Stephen a special job. There was a problem between the Archbishop and monks in Canterbury, which stopped normal church services. Stephen was one of the people sent to fix this and make sure services started again. King Henry was pleased with Stephen's work and gave him land in Artington, Surrey, as a reward.

Adventures with King Richard I

When King Henry II died in 1189, his son Richard became king. Stephen continued to serve King Richard I with the same loyalty.

In 1190, Stephen joined King Richard on the Third Crusade. This was a long journey to the Holy Land. In 1192, he visited Jerusalem. The next year, in 1193, Stephen had another important task: he helped escort Queen Berengaria (King Richard's wife), Joan of England (King Richard's sister), and a princess known as the Damsel of Cyprus. He guided them safely from Palestine all the way to Rome.

Important Jobs in England

After his adventures on the Crusade, Stephen's work focused on England. He managed royal lands and properties for the king.

Managing Royal Lands

Stephen was in charge of royal demesnes, which were lands directly owned by the king. He also managed escheats, which were properties that returned to the king's control when someone died without heirs or committed certain crimes. He also looked after church areas called Bishoprics when they didn't have a leader.

These jobs could make people unpopular because they involved managing property and money. However, Stephen seemed to have a good reputation. A writer named Adam of Eynsham described him as a "faithful and godly man."

High Sheriff Roles

Stephen held important positions called High Sheriff in several counties. From 1197 to 1200, he was the High Sheriff of Berkshire and Wiltshire. In 1198, he also served as the High Sheriff of Lancashire. A High Sheriff was a powerful official who represented the king in a county, helping to enforce laws and collect taxes.

Later Life

After 1200, Stephen's very close relationship with the king changed a little, but he was still important to King John. He served as a warden (a guardian or caretaker) for several important people. These included Eleanor, Fair Maid of Brittany, Isabella of Angoulême, and even the future king, Henry III, when he was a child.

Stephen of Thurnham died on March 6, 1214. He did not have any sons, so his possessions were left to his five daughters and their husbands.