Thomas Coke (seneschal of Gascony) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Coke was an important English nobleman and knight who lived in the 1300s. He served the King of England, Edward III, in various important roles, especially in a region of France called Gascony. He is remembered for his bravery in battles and for leading soldiers.

Sir Thomas Coke: A Medieval Knight

Sir Thomas Coke was the oldest son of Thomas Coke, who was the Lord of Dudlington. During his life, he became a special kind of knight called a knight banneret. This meant he was a knight who could lead his own group of soldiers under his own flag, or "banner," in battle.

Early Life and Career

Sir Thomas Coke worked closely with Henry, the 3rd Earl of Lancaster. The Earl of Lancaster was a very important leader, acting as the King's representative. In 1343, Sir Thomas Coke traveled with the Earl of Lancaster to Spain. This shows he was trusted and important.

From 1347 to 1349, Sir Thomas Coke held a very important job. He was the Seneschal of Gascony. A Seneschal was like a governor or a chief officer. They managed the King's lands and armies in a specific area. Gascony was a region in France that belonged to the English King at that time.

The Battle of Lunalonge

In 1349, Sir Thomas Coke led a group of about 500 English and Gascon soldiers. They were all on horseback. Their mission was to help Lusignan Castle, which was under attack.

However, a French army from Poitou stopped them at a place called Lunalonge. This French army was much larger, with about 1,500 soldiers. They approached Sir Thomas Coke's force in three groups.

Sir Thomas Coke's men were smart. They moved to a small hill and got off their horses. They sent their horses to the back with their supplies. The French army then rode around them and attacked their supplies first. After that, they attacked the back of Sir Thomas Coke's soldiers.

The first two groups of French soldiers charged at the English and Gascon lines. But Sir Thomas Coke's men stood strong. They used their long lances like spears to defend themselves. They formed a tight circle, like a hedgehog, which was very hard to break. The French attacked many times but could not get through. They lost many soldiers and had many captured.

The third group of French soldiers did not attack. They waited for a chance to find a weak spot. But no weakness appeared. When night came, this French group retreated back to Lusignan. They took the captured horses with them. During the battle, about 300 French soldiers were killed. Many were also captured, including their leader, Jean de Lille.

Later Years

In 1350, Sir Thomas Coke was made the captain of a town called Villefranche. This was another important military role.

Sadly, Sir Thomas Coke died before his own father. His only son, also named Thomas, died without having any children. This meant the family line of Sir Thomas Coke ended.