Thomas Brandon (diplomat) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sir Thomas Brandon |
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| Arms of Sir Thomas Brandon, KG | |
| Spouse(s) | Anne Fiennes Elizabeth Dynham |
| Father | Sir William Brandon |
| Mother | Elizabeth Wingfield |
| Died | 27 January 1510 |
| Burial | Blackfriars, London |
Sir Thomas Brandon was an important English knight, soldier, and diplomat who lived a long time ago. He was a trusted helper and friend to Henry VII, the King of England. Sir Thomas was also a Knight of the Order of the Garter, which is a very special award for knights. He died on January 27, 1510.
Contents
Sir Thomas Brandon's Life
Early Life and Family
Sir Thomas Brandon came from a family that supported the House of Lancaster during the Wars of the Roses. His father was Sir William Brandon, and his mother was Elizabeth Wingfield. He was also the uncle of Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, who became a very famous person later.
His brother, William, was a brave soldier. He died fighting at the Battle of Bosworth Field. This battle was very important because it helped Henry Tudor become king. Sir Thomas strongly supported Henry Tudor, even before he became king.
Important Missions for the King
Sir Thomas Brandon was a skilled diplomat. This means he was good at talking to leaders from other countries. In 1492, he helped make a peace agreement with France.
Later, in 1500, he traveled with King Henry VII to Calais. There, they met with Archduke Philip of Austria. Sir Thomas was part of the group that helped with these important meetings.
In 1503, Sir Thomas went on another big mission. He traveled to Antwerp to meet with Emperor Maximilian. The main goal was to convince the Emperor to stop helping Edmund de la Pole, 3rd Duke of Suffolk. Edmund de la Pole was an English rebel, and King Henry VII wanted him out of the Emperor's lands. They also talked about other important matters, like the Emperor possibly joining the Order of the Garter.
A Valued Knight and Courtier
When Sir Thomas returned to England, King Henry VII gave him important jobs. One of these was being the "master of the king's horse." This was a big role in the royal court.
Sir Thomas was known for being a very good knight and soldier. He was excellent in military skills. In 1494, there was a special tournament to celebrate Prince Henry becoming a Knight of the Bath and Duke of York. Sir Thomas Brandon showed off his skills and was one of the best knights there. Because of his bravery and loyalty, he was made a Knight of the Garter, which is one of the highest honors a knight can receive in England.
In 1507, Sir Thomas was sent to meet Balthasar de Castiglione. Castiglione was an ambassador from the Duchy of Urbino. He came to England to receive the Garter award for his own leader. Sir Thomas Brandon died a few years later, in 1510.
Marriages
Sir Thomas Brandon was married two times.
His first wife was Anne Fiennes. They married before 1496. Anne had been married before. She died in 1497, and they did not have any children together. She was buried at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
His second wife was Elizabeth Dynham. She had also been married before. They did not have any children. Elizabeth died in 1516.
