Thomas Burgh, 1st Baron Burgh facts for kids

Arms of Sir Thomas Burgh, a Knight of the Garter.

Sir Thomas Burgh (born around 1488 – died February 28, 1550) was an important English nobleman. He was known as the 1st Baron Burgh of Gainsborough. He also held other titles like Baron Strabolgi and Baron Cobham of Sterborough.

Thomas Burgh was a knight and served King Henry VIII. He was part of the King's special bodyguard, called the King's Spears. He was knighted in 1513 after a big battle called Flodden Field. Later, he became a key helper to Queen Anne Boleyn, serving as her Lord Chamberlain. He was also one of the noblemen who had to attend Anne Boleyn's trial in 1536.

Early Life and Family History

Thomas Burgh was born in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, around 1488. He was the oldest son of Edward Burgh, who was the 2nd Baron Burgh, and Anne Cobham. His mother, Anne, also had her own noble title, the 6th Baroness Cobham. Her father was Sir Thomas Cobham.

Becoming a Baron

Thomas's father, Edward, became the 2nd Baron of Gainsborough in 1496. However, Edward was never called to Parliament. This meant that the title created for his grandfather was thought to have ended when Edward died.

After his father passed away, Sir Thomas Burgh was called to the House of Lords. He was given the title of Lord Burgh of Gainsborough. He also inherited the titles of Baron Strabolgi and Baron Cobham from his mother's side. Even though he inherited these titles, he was never officially confirmed in them or called to Parliament for them.

Public Service and Home Life

Sir Thomas was knighted in 1513. He also served as the High Sheriff of Lincolnshire in 1518 and again in 1524. This was an important local government role.

His family home was Gainsborough Old Hall. Sir Thomas was known for being very strict. He expected everyone in his family to obey him completely.

Religious Views and Royal Connections

Sir Thomas Burgh had strong opinions about religion. He was a big supporter of the new Protestant religion. This new faith was being introduced in England at the time. He often discussed his religious ideas with his chaplain.

Serving Queen Anne Boleyn

In May 1533, Thomas Burgh played an important role in the celebrations for Anne Boleyn's coronation. He was appointed as her Lord Chamberlain. This meant he was a chief officer in her household. He rode in her barge when she arrived at the Tower of London for her coronation. He also walked in the procession, holding part of Anne Boleyn's long coronation dress.

Catherine Parr's First Marriage

For a long time, people thought that Thomas's father, Edward Burgh, had married Catherine Parr in 1529. Catherine Parr later became the sixth wife of King Henry VIII. However, Edward Burgh actually died in 1528.

Recent studies of old documents show that Catherine Parr married Sir Edward Borough. This Edward was Sir Thomas Burgh's oldest son, not his father. Catherine's mother mentioned this marriage in her will from May 1529. Sir Edward was in his twenties when he married Catherine. He passed away in the spring of 1533.

Family and Legacy

Sir Thomas Burgh was married two times. His first wife was Agnes Tyrwhitt, whom he married in 1496. They had at least twelve children together. Later, he married Alice London, but they did not have any more children.

Sir Thomas Burgh died in February 1550. His third son, William, inherited his title and became the 2nd Baron Burgh.

Children of Thomas Burgh and Agnes Tyrwhitt

• Sir Edward Burgh (born around 1508 – died before April 1533): He was the oldest son. He married Catherine Parr but they did not have children.
• Sir Thomas Burgh (died 1542): He married Elizabeth Owen and they had children.
• William Burgh, 2nd Baron Burgh (born around 1521 – died September 10, 1584): He inherited the title after his father. He married Lady Katherine Clinton. They were the parents of Thomas Burgh, who became the 3rd Baron Burgh.
• Henry Burgh (born around 1522 – died April 22, 1557): His family line continued through him.
• Anne Burgh (born around 1500 – died 1582): She married John Bussy and later Sir Anthony Neville.
• Margaret Burgh (died 1552): She married Robert Topcliffe.
• Agnes Burgh: She married John Bassett.
• Eleanor Burgh: She married Sir William Musgrave and later Edmund Croftes.
• Dorothy Burgh: She became a nun.
• Elizabeth Burgh: She also became a nun.
• John Burgh (alive in 1550).
• Richard Burgh (alive in 1550).

Images for kids

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  Arms of Sir Thomas Burgh, a Knight of the Garter.