Thomas Browne (died 1460) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Browne (born 1402, died 20 July 1460) was an important person in England during the 1400s. He was a Member of Parliament, which means he helped make laws for the country. He also held a very important job as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, which was like being in charge of the country's money. His time as Chancellor was during a difficult period when England faced economic challenges. Sir Thomas Browne lost his life on 20 July 1460.

Sir Thomas Browne's Life and Work

Sir Thomas Browne was the son of Robert Browne. He was also the nephew of Stephen Browne, who was also a Member of Parliament. In 1434, Thomas Browne started working for the peace in Kent. He became a Justice of Peace there, helping to keep order, from 1436 to 1450. He was also the High Sheriff of Kent in 1439, a top law enforcement officer for the county.

His Important Jobs

Sir Thomas Browne was chosen to be a Member of Parliament several times. He represented Dover in 1439-40. Later, he represented Kent in 1445–46. He also represented Wallingford in 1449–50.

He worked as the Treasurer of the Household for King Henry VI. This meant he managed the King's personal finances. He was made a knight sometime between 1449 and 1451, which gave him the title "Sir." His highest job was being the Under Treasurer at the Exchequer. This was a key role in managing the government's money, and he held it from 1447 to 1449. He continued to serve as a Justice of Peace for Surrey from 1454 until he died.

Loyalty During Difficult Times

Sir Thomas Browne stayed loyal to King Henry VI. This was during a time when England was becoming very unstable. After 1453, King Henry VI had some health problems. This led to disagreements between Queen Margaret and Richard, Duke of York, over who should control the government. These tensions eventually led to a civil war in 1455.

Even though the country was divided, Browne remained loyal to the King's side. He was even pardoned by the opposing side in 1455 and 1458. In 1460, he worked closely with the Duke of Exeter, a strong supporter of King Henry VI. Browne helped gather men and broke through a blockade during the siege of the Tower of London (1460).

On 20 July 1460, Sir Thomas Browne was found guilty of a serious charge. He lost his life on that same day.

Places He Owned

Sir Thomas Browne owned many important properties and lands during his lifetime. These included castles and manors across Kent and Surrey.

• Betchworth Castle: He bought this castle from his father-in-law, Sir Thomas FitzAlan.
• Tonford Manor: Located in Thanington, Kent. In 1448, he received permission to build defenses and create a private park here.
• Morris-Court: This property in Bapchild, Kent, had been in the Browne family since before 1413.
• Eythorne Manor: He bought this property in Kent. In 1448, he also got permission for a fair to be held nearby every year.
• Hoptons Manor: This was another property in Alkham, Kent.
• Kingsnorth Manor: Located in Ulcombe, Kent. In 1448, he was allowed to hold a fair there and to build defenses around his home. He could also create a park and hunt freely on his lands.
• Westbury Manor: He bought this manor in Wateringbury, Kent, in 1454. Today, it is called Manor Farm.
• Swanscombe Manor: This manor in Greenhithe, Kent, was given to Browne by the King in 1458.
• Tong Castle and Manor: Located in Tong, Kent. This property was also given to Browne by the King in 1458. He later got permission to hold a fair there and to build defenses around his home and create a park.
• The manor of Barfreston: This property in Kent was transferred to Browne later in King Henry VI's reign.

His Family

Around 1437, Sir Thomas Browne married Eleanor FitzAlan. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas FitzAlan of Betchworth Castle. Together, Sir Thomas and Eleanor had seven sons and two daughters.

• William Browne (from Tavistock, Devon).
• Sir George Browne: He lost his life in 1483. His properties were taken by the government but were later given back to his family in 1485.
• Thomas Browne.
• Sir Anthony Browne.
• Robert Browne: He lived in Luddenham, Kent. He worked for the Earl of Arundel. Robert had a daughter named Eleanor Browne.
• Leonard Browne.
• Edward Browne.
• Catherine Browne: She married Humphrey Sackville.
• Jane Browne.