Thomas Banastre facts for kids
Sir Thomas Banastre was a brave knight from England who lived a long time ago, from about 1334 to 1379. He was a very special knight because he was part of the Order of the Garter, which is a famous group of knights.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Thomas Banastre was born in 1334 at a place called Bank Hall in Bretherton, Lancashire. His father was Sir Adam Banastre, and his mother was Joan Petronilla. Thomas was the oldest of five children in his family.
His Life as a Knight
Thomas Banastre became a knight and fought in many important battles.
Fighting in France and Spain
- In 1360, he went to France to fight in a war led by King Edward III. King Edward III himself made Thomas a knight at a place called Bourg-la-Reine.
- Later, in 1367, Thomas joined Prince Edward (who was also known as the Black Prince) in a war in Spain. He fought bravely in a big battle called the battle of Najera on April 3, 1367.
Captured and Released
- In 1369, while he was in Anjou, France, Thomas was captured by the French army.
- He was later set free in exchange for a French knight named Sire Caponnel de Caponnat, who the English had captured.
Growing His Estate
- During the same year, Thomas bought a small village called Thorp. This land became part of his bigger estate in Bretherton.
- His estate included many farms and lands, which helped him become very wealthy.
Becoming a Garter Knight
- In 1375, Thomas Banastre was chosen to become a Knight of the Garter.
- This was a great honor! He joined the special Order of the Garter after another knight, Walter Paveley, passed away.
His Final Journey
On December 16, 1379, Sir Thomas Banastre was on a ship with a fleet led by another knight, Sir John Arundel. They were sailing in the Irish Sea when a big storm hit. Thomas's ship crashed into a rock, and he drowned. Another famous knight, Sir Hugh Calveley, was on the same ship but managed to survive the storm.
