Thomas Bates facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Bates
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A contemporary engraving of Bates, by Crispijn van de Passe.
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| Born | 1567 Lapworth, Warwickshire
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| Died | January 30, 1606 (aged 38–39) Westminster, London, England
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| Cause of death | Hanged, drawn and quartered |
| Occupation | Retainer |
| Spouse(s) | Martha Bates |
| Motive | Gunpowder plot, a conspiracy to assassinate King James VI & I and members of the Houses of Parliament |
| Conviction(s) | High treason |
| Criminal penalty | Hanged, drawn and quartered |
| Role | Catesby's retainer |
Thomas Bates (born 1567, died 1606) was part of a group of English Catholics. They planned a famous event called the Gunpowder Plot in 1605, but it didn't work. Bates worked for Robert Catesby, who was the leader of the plot.
The plan was to blow up the House of Lords in London with gunpowder. This would kill King James I and other important people. The plotters hoped this would lead to a new Catholic ruler in England. Bates joined the group after he found out about their secret plans by accident.
When the plot failed, Bates went with Catesby and others who were trying to escape. He was later caught and taken to London. Bates was the only plotter who said that some Jesuit priests knew about the plan. However, he later changed his mind. He was found guilty of a serious crime against the king and was executed in a very harsh way.
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Thomas Bates: A Gunpowder Plotter
Thomas Bates was born in Lapworth, a town in Warwickshire, England. He was married to Martha Bates. Thomas worked for the Catesby family as a "retainer." This meant he was a loyal servant who worked closely with the family. He even had his own servant and armor, which showed he was an important part of the household.
Joining the Secret Plot
Thomas Bates was the seventh person to join the Gunpowder Plot. This plan was created by his boss, Robert Catesby, in early 1604. Catesby wanted to kill King James I by blowing up the House of Lords. He hoped this would start a rebellion and bring a Catholic king or queen back to the English throne.
Bates became involved because he noticed Catesby and his friends acting suspiciously. In December 1604, Catesby and Thomas Wintour asked Bates about his suspicions. Bates admitted he thought they were planning something dangerous near Parliament. After this, they told Bates all about their secret plot.
Delays and New Members
The opening of Parliament was delayed several times because of the plague. This gave the plotters more time. They eventually stored their gunpowder right under the House of Lords.
By August 1605, Catesby was running out of money for the plot. The group decided they needed more people to help. Bates was the only one who didn't like this idea, but he was outvoted. Soon after, Ambrose Rookwood, Francis Tresham, and Everard Digby joined the conspiracy.
The Plot Fails
The final details of the plot were decided in October. Guy Fawkes was supposed to light the fuse for the gunpowder. Then he would escape across the River Thames. At the same time, a rebellion was planned in the Midlands to capture Princess Elizabeth.
On November 4, Bates left London with Catesby and John Wright. They were heading to the place where the rebellion would start. The next day, they met Rookwood, who brought terrible news. Guy Fawkes had been found guarding the gunpowder and was arrested!
The plotters who were still in London quickly fled. Bates and the others rode towards Dunchurch. They gathered more weapons and met other plotters. Catesby then sent Bates to deliver a letter to Father Garnet, a Jesuit priest, asking for his help. Bates heard another priest say, "we are all utterly undone." Garnet's reply told them to stop their "wicked actions."
Capture and Punishment
The group of plotters and their supporters eventually reached Holbeche House. They were tired and wet from the rain. They tried to dry some soaked gunpowder near a fire. A spark landed on the powder, causing a small explosion. Catesby and some others were hurt.
Sometime after this, Bates left the house. He was captured later that same day and taken to London. Catesby and several other plotters were killed when government forces arrived at Holbeche House.
While in prison, Bates claimed that Father Oswald Tesimond knew about the plot. Some historians believe Bates might have said this to try and get a lighter punishment, as he was from a lower social class than the other plotters. He later took back his statement when he realized he would be executed.
Bates was charged with a very serious crime against the king. His trial took place at Westminster Hall on January 27, 1606. He was held in a different prison than the other plotters because of his social status.
On January 30, 1606, Thomas Bates was taken to St Paul's Churchyard. He watched as three other plotters were executed. Bates was the last one to be executed that day. He faced a very harsh punishment, which was common for serious crimes against the king at that time.
