Thomas Cheney facts for kids
Sir Thomas Cheney (or Cheyne) (around 1485 – 16 December 1558) was an important English official and diplomat. He lived in London and Kent. From 1536 until his death, he was the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports in south-east England. This was a very important job for defending the coast.
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Early Life of Thomas Cheney
Thomas Cheney was born about 1485. His father was William Cheney, who owned Shurland Hall in the Isle of Sheppey, Kent. William was also the Constable of Queenborough Castle and the High Sheriff of Kent in 1477.
When his father died in 1487, Thomas eventually inherited the family lands in Kent. This made him an important landowner in the region.
Thomas Cheney's Career
Thomas Cheney became a very important person in the government. In 1515, he was made High Sheriff of Kent. From 1526 until he died, he was a Justice of the Peace for Kent.
He was a favorite of King Henry VIII and his wife, Anne Boleyn. Anne Boleyn helped him get promoted in the government. From 1535 to 1540, Cheney became one of the most powerful people in south-east England.
He served all five Tudor monarchs. He was at the famous Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520. He also worked as an ambassador to France three times. From 1530, he was the Treasurer of the Household, managing the King's money. He attended many important meetings of the King's council.
Cheney represented Kent in almost every parliament from 1539 to 1558. He was also part of the group that governed England in 1547.
Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports
Sir Thomas Cheney had many important roles related to defense. He was the Constable of several castles, including Saltwood Castle, Queenborough Castle, Rochester Castle, and Dover Castle.
He was made Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports on 17 May 1536. This job meant he was in charge of coastal defense and gathering soldiers. He also served as the Lord Lieutenant of Kent from 1551 to 1553.
In 1545, Cheney was ill for a short time. During this period, Sir Thomas Seymour took over his duties for a few months.
Service to Queen Mary I
Thomas Cheney did not support the plan to make Lady Jane Grey queen. Instead, he quickly supported Mary I when she became queen. Mary I sent him as an ambassador to Charles V in Brussels in 1553. He announced that Mary had become the new Queen of England.
In 1554, Cheney gathered soldiers in Kent to fight against Wyatt's rebellion. Even though some people at court doubted his loyalty, he sent his men to help the Queen. He kept his important job as Treasurer of the Household.
Death and Family
Sir Thomas Cheney died on 16 December 1558 at the Tower of London. He was buried on 3 January 1559 in Minster Abbey on the Isle of Sheppey.
He had a son, Henry, and three daughters: Anne, Frances, and Katherine. His will showed he was a wealthy man. He had many servants and owned properties that brought in a lot of money.
Cheney married twice. His first wife was Frideswide Frowyk. They had a son, John (who died before his father), and three daughters:
- Anne Cheney (died 1553), who married Sir John Perrot.
- Frances Cheney (died 1561), who married Nicholas Crispe.
- Katherine Cheney (died before 1550), who married Sir Thomas Kempe.
His second wife was Anne Broughton. They married in 1539. They had a son, Henry Cheyne, 1st Baron Cheyne, and a daughter.
