Thomas Basset (judge) facts for kids

Thomas Basset was an important English judge who lived in the 1100s. He was known for his work in the king's court and helped make sure laws were followed across the country. He passed away around the year 1182.

The Life of Thomas Basset

Thomas Basset was the son of Gilbert Basset. His grandfather might have been Ralph Basset, who was a very powerful official called a justiciar. A justiciar was like a chief minister or a top judge for the king.

Early Career and Roles

Thomas Basset was rewarded for his service in wars. He was given control of a large area of land called a lordship in Hedendon, Oxfordshire. This meant he was in charge of that region.

From 1163 to 1164, Thomas Basset served as the Sheriff of Oxfordshire. A sheriff was like the king's main representative in a county. They were responsible for keeping peace, collecting taxes, and enforcing laws.

A Traveling Judge

Thomas Basset became a traveling judge, also known as an "itinerant justice." This meant he traveled to different parts of England, like Essex and Hertfordshire, to hear court cases. He did this in 1167 and 1168.

In 1169, he joined the "exchequer" as a "baron." The exchequer was like the government's finance department. A baron of the exchequer was a judge who dealt with money matters and taxes for the king. He held this important job until about 1181.

Thomas Basset continued to be a traveling judge and worked closely with the king's court until 1181. In 1179, he was specifically chosen to be a judge on one of the new court circuits, which were routes judges followed to hear cases.

Family Life

Thomas Basset married a woman named Adeliza de Dunstanville. They had three sons: Gilbert, Thomas, and Alan. They also had two daughters: Alice, who married William Malet, and Isabel, who married Guy de Craon.

Thomas Basset was last mentioned in records in August 1181. By the end of 1182, his son Gilbert had taken over his roles, which suggests Thomas had passed away.