Thomas Colepeper, 2nd Baron Colepeper facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable The Lord Colepeper
Governor of Virginia
In office 1677–1683
Monarch	Charles II
Preceded by	Sir William Berkeley
Succeeded by	Lord Howard of Effingham
Personal details
Born	(1635-03-21)March 21, 1635 England
Died	January 27, 1689(1689-01-27) (aged 53) London, England

Thomas Colepeper, 2nd Baron Colepeper (born March 21, 1635 – died January 27, 1689) was an important English nobleman. He was also a colonial administrator, which means he helped manage colonies for England. He served as the governor of Virginia from 1677 to 1683.

Early Life and Family Connections

Thomas Colepeper was born in 1635. His parents were Judith and John Colepeper. His father was a "royalist," meaning he supported the King.

Life During the English Civil War

At the end of the English Civil War, Thomas's father left England. This happened after King Charles I was executed. Thomas lived with his father in the Netherlands for a time.

Marriage and Return to England

While in the Netherlands, Thomas married Margaret van Hesse on August 3, 1659. She was a wealthy Dutch heiress. Thomas returned to England after Charles II became king again. This event is known as the Restoration.

Public Service and Governance Roles

Thomas Colepeper held several important positions in England. These roles helped him gain experience and wealth.

Governor of the Isle of Wight

From 1661 to 1667, Colepeper was the Governor of the Isle of Wight. This job did not involve much daily work. However, it did help him become richer.

Role in Land Management

He was also chosen to be a Bailiff for the Bedford Level Corporation. This group managed a large area of land in England. He served on their board in 1665 and 1667.

Governor of Virginia Colony

Colepeper became the governor of Virginia in July 1677. However, he did not travel to the colony right away.

Delayed Arrival in Virginia

King Charles II had to order him to leave England in 1679. When he finally arrived, he seemed more interested in his own land. He owned land in a part of Virginia called the Northern Neck.

Challenges and Dismissal

Colepeper soon returned to England. But unrest in the colony forced him to go back in 1682. By then, the problems were already solved. After taking some money from the colony's funds, he returned to England again. King Charles II had to remove him from his position. Francis Howard, 5th Baron Howard of Effingham was appointed as the new governor.

Relying on a Cousin

During this difficult time, Colepeper's actions were sometimes unpredictable. He had to rely more on his cousin, Col. Nicholas Spencer. Spencer was his agent in Virginia. Spencer later became the acting Governor after Colepeper left the colony.

Later Life and Legacy

Thomas Colepeper spent the rest of his life in London. He passed away on January 27, 1689.

Family and Inheritance

Catherine Culpeper was his only child with his wife, Margaret van Hesse. She inherited much of his wealth. In 1690, Catherine married Thomas Fairfax, 5th Lord Fairfax of Cameron.

Namesakes in Virginia

In Virginia, two places are named after him. Culpeper County and its main town, Culpeper, honor his name.