Thomas Arundell (1454–1485) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Arundell (born around 1454, died 1485) was an important English nobleman. He lived during a time when England was going through big changes, especially with who would be king.

In 1483, Sir Thomas was given a special honor. He became a Knight of the Bath during the crowning of King Richard III. This title was given to knights during royal ceremonies.

Just two years later, in 1485, King Richard III lost a major battle called the Battle of Bosworth. Sir Thomas Arundell was then accused of going against the king. This meant he was attainted, which is when someone loses their rights and property because they are seen as an enemy of the king.

After this, Sir Thomas decided to support Henry Tudor. Henry Tudor was fighting to become the new king. Sir Thomas's marriage to Katherine Dynham also helped his family a lot. Katherine was an heiress, meaning she inherited a lot of wealth. Her family was very rich and powerful.

Family Life and Marriage

Thomas Arundell married Katherine Dynham in December 1473. Katherine was the daughter of Sir John Dinham and Jane de Arches. This marriage was very important because it brought a lot of land and money to the Arundell family.

Thomas and Katherine had several children:

• Eleanor Arundell (1472–1516), who married Nicholas Saintlo.
• Sir John Arundell (1474–1545), who married Lady Eleanor Grey.
• Elizabeth Arundell (1476–1513), who married Sir Edward Stradling.
• Alice Arundell (born around 1478), who married Sir John Speke.
• Thomas Arundell (born around 1480, died around 1513).
• Humphrey Arundell, who married Phillipa Grenville.
• Roger Arundell, who married Johanna Calwoodleigh.
• Edward Arundell.

Sir Thomas's Career

Sir Thomas Arundell had a short and difficult career. Like his father, he might have fought for the Lancaster side in the Battle of Tewkesbury. After this battle, he was pardoned, but he had to pay a lot of money.

In 1484, during the time of King Richard III, Sir Thomas faced more trouble. He was attainted again, which meant he lost his lands and properties. These lands were then given to Sir James Tyrell. Sir James Tyrell was thought to be involved in the disappearance of the young princes in the Tower.

Even though Sir Thomas lost his lands, his wife Katherine was still given some money. She received £100 a year from the lands that used to belong to her own family.

When Henry VII became king, things changed for the Arundell family. The decision to take away Sir Thomas's lands was reversed. This meant his family got their properties back. However, this good news came too late for Sir Thomas. He died on October 11, 1485, just a few weeks after the Battle of Bosworth.

Besides the lands in Cornwall, Sir Thomas also owned properties in Dorset and four important estates in Devon.