Thomas Adamson (master gunner) facts for kids
Thomas Adamson (who died in 1685) was an important Master-Gunner in King Charles II's artillery team. He is well-known for writing a book in 1680 called England's Defence, a Treatise concerning Invasion. This book was all about how to protect England from attacks.
Contents
Thomas Adamson's Life and Work
Thomas Adamson was born into a family of landowners in Lancashire. He went to Kirkham Grammar School, just like his great-uncle Richard, who later became a church leader in Bexley.
Early Military Experience
Adamson and other family members fought in important battles like Preston and Winwick in 1648. These battles gave him valuable experience as a soldier. He then served as a soldier who fought on horseback under a military leader named Lord Gerard.
Rising Through the Ranks
After King Charles II returned to the throne, Adamson was given an official role in the Artillery Company. He was promoted to Captain and later joined the Board of Ordnance, which was a government department that managed military supplies. Eventually, he became the Master-Gunner of England, a very high-ranking expert in artillery.
Writing England's Defence
During the 1600s, there was a constant worry about a French invasion of England. Because of this, Adamson was asked to update an older book from the 1500s. This earlier book was written by Thomas Digges, who was in charge of military supplies for Queen Elizabeth's army.
Adamson used Digges's work as a base, adding his own new information. His book explained what weapons and supplies were needed to defend a fort, an artillery team, and an army's storage. He also included lists of:
- Warships
- Leaders of England's garrisons (forts)
- Important officials in coastal counties
He finished his book by listing the monthly wages paid to officers and sailors in the Royal Navy.
Adamson's Concerns
The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography mentions that Adamson was concerned about a French invasion. He believed that the people of England should be ready to defend their country against any attack. His work was seen by some as encouraging people to take strong action if an invasion happened.
See also
- Artillery Company
- Board of Ordnance
- Master-Gunner
