Thomas Blagrave facts for kids
Thomas Blagrave, who passed away on June 18, 1590, was an important official during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He held two key jobs: he was the Acting Master of the Revels from 1573 to 1579, and then the Surveyor of the Queen's Works from 1578 until his death.
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Thomas Blagrave's Early Life
Thomas Blagrave came from a town called Uttoxeter in Staffordshire, England. He had at least three brothers and sisters named William, John, and Mary. His family was connected to another Blagrave family from Calcot Park near Reading, Berkshire.
Working for the Queen
Thomas Blagrave began his career at the royal court as an assistant to Sir Thomas Cawarden. Sir Thomas was the Master of the Revels before Blagrave. When Sir Thomas passed away in 1559, he even left some horses to Thomas Blagrave in his will.
Master of Fun and Entertainment
From 1573 to 1579, Thomas Blagrave was the Acting Master of the Revels. This was a very exciting job! The Master of the Revels was in charge of organizing all the entertainment for the Queen. This included plays, music, dances, and other performances at court. It was his job to make sure everything was perfect for the Queen's enjoyment.
Managing Royal Buildings
After his time as Master of the Revels, Thomas Blagrave took on another big role. From 1578 until he died, he was the Surveyor of the Queen's Works. In this job, he was responsible for managing the Queen's royal buildings and properties. This meant overseeing repairs, new construction, and making sure all the royal palaces and other buildings were in good shape.
His Home and Legacy
Thomas Blagrave owned land in a place called Great Bedwyn in Wiltshire. There, he built a large and important house known as a manor house. He died on June 18, 1590, after serving Queen Elizabeth I for many years in important roles.
