Thomas Benolt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Benolt
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| Died | 8 May 1534 |
| Resting place | St Helen, Bishopsgate, London, England, UK |
| Occupation | Antiquarian Diplomat Genealogist |
Thomas Benolt was an important person who worked for the kings of England a long time ago. He was an officer of arms at the College of Arms in London. This means he helped with things like royal ceremonies, coats of arms, and family histories. He also worked as a diplomat, which means he represented the king in other countries.
Benolt was likely born in Rouen, France, but his family had strong ties to Calais. He probably grew up in Calais. We know for sure that he started working for the king on May 6, 1504. His first job was as a Windsor Herald. Later, he became a Norroy King of Arms and then a Clarenceux King of Arms. These were very important jobs in the College of Arms.
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Thomas Benolt's Diplomatic Missions
Because Thomas Benolt grew up in France, he was a great choice for jobs in other countries. He often traveled for the king.
Working Abroad
In 1505, he went on a trip to France. Later, in 1512, he helped prepare for an invasion of Scotland. After that, he spent most of his time working outside England.
He visited France many times, including in 1514, 1515, and almost every year from 1518 to 1522. He also went in 1524, 1529, and 1533. Benolt traveled to Scotland in 1516, 1517, and every year from 1519 to 1526. He even spent time in Germany and Spain. He once wrote that the king liked to send him "beyond the sea" very often.
Trusted Royal Servant
Benolt had many different duties for the king. Once, he even had to buy wine for an important leader named Cardinal Wolsey. He was also given orders to challenge Charles V in Spain in 1528.
Thomas Benolt was a very trusted helper to King Henry VIII. The king gave him many good jobs and rewards. He even received money from the King of France and a gold chain from the Holy Roman Emperor.
Heraldic Duties and Challenges
When Benolt was in England, he took part in many important ceremonies. These were part of his job as an officer of arms. He was involved in the funeral of King Henry VII in 1509. He also helped with the coronation of Queen Anne Boleyn in 1533.
Working with Coats of Arms
When Benolt became Clarenceux King of Arms, he let another officer, Thomas Wriothesley, handle most of the work with coats of arms. But in 1530, Benolt wanted to take back these duties. Wriothesley said no, which caused a big disagreement. This problem almost harmed the future of the College of Arms.
In the end, Benolt convinced the king to agree with him. He was given permission to hold heraldic visitations. This meant he could travel around the country to check and record people's coats of arms and family histories.
Thomas Benolt's Family Life
Thomas Benolt was married two times. His first wife was named Margaret, and they did not have any children. His second wife was Mary Fermor. She was the daughter of Lawrence Fermor and Elizabeth Wenman.
With Mary, Benolt had one son who died young, and two daughters. He owned a house in London and another in Middlesex.
His Final Days
In 1534, Benolt was sick and missed some College of Arms events. He passed away on May 8, 1534. He was buried in St Helen's Bishopsgate. After his death, Benolt's wife, Mary, married another man named Richard Buckland.
Arms
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