Thomas Colepeper (died 1613) facts for kids

Thomas Colepeper (born around 1561 – died 1613) was an English politician. He served as a member of the English Parliament during his life.

Thomas Colepeper's Life and Work

Thomas Colepeper was the oldest of four brothers. His father, John Colepeper, lived in a place called Wigsell in East Sussex. Thomas studied at Hart Hall, Oxford university in 1579. Later, he joined the Middle Temple in 1583. This was a place where people trained to become lawyers.

Many people believe that Thomas became interested in exploring and settling new lands in America because of his time at Middle Temple. At that time, many exciting voyages were being planned there. In 1597, he married the daughter of a very important merchant, Alderman Stephen Slaney. Stephen Slaney had even been the Lord Mayor of London, which is like the city's top leader.

Thomas Colepeper became a Member of Parliament (MP). This meant he was chosen to represent people in the English government. He was an MP for Winchelsea in 1597 and for Rye in 1601.

Both Thomas and his brother John were part of the Virginia Company of London starting in 1609. This company was very important for setting up the first English settlements in America, especially in Virginia. Because of this connection, their family later owned a large area of land in Virginia called the Northern Neck. Thomas's brother John had a grandson who led a famous event called Culpeper's Rebellion in America. His granddaughter, Frances Colepeper, also became a well-known figure in Virginia.

Thomas Colepeper's Legacy

Thomas Colepeper's father passed away in 1612. Thomas himself died the next year, in 1613. He was buried in Salehurst. He left his property, including his family home at Wigsell, to his oldest son, Slaney Colepeper. Slaney was supposed to inherit everything when he turned 24.

However, Slaney died in 1617 before he was old enough to inherit. So, Thomas's second son, John Colepeper, became the heir to the family estate. This John Colepeper later became a very important politician. He was a strong supporter of the King during the 1640s and 1650s.

Thomas Colepeper's Family

Thomas Colepeper married twice. His first wife was Anne Slaney, who passed away in 1601 or 1602. She was one of the three daughters of Sir Stephen Slaney, the former Lord Mayor of London. Thomas and Anne had two sons and one daughter:

• Slaney Colepeper: Born in 1598, he was their oldest son. He studied at Hart Hall, Oxford, and the Middle Temple. Sadly, he died in 1617 when he was still young.
• John Colepeper: Born in 1600, he also studied at Oxford and the Middle Temple. John became a very important politician who supported King Charles I. He was given the title of the 1st Baron Colepeper in 1644. He continued to serve King Charles II when the King was in exile. John inherited his father's property and passed away in 1660.
• Elizabeth Colepeper: She was born around 1601 and lived until 1683. In 1620, she married Sir Robert Brooke. Elizabeth was known for her religious writings.

Thomas Colepeper's second wife was Mary Beeston. She was the daughter of Roger Beeston of London. Thomas and Mary had one son and three daughters:

• Thomas Colepeper: Born and died in 1607.
• Mary Colepeper: Born in 1606.
• Cicely Colepeper: Born in 1610.
• Anne Colepeper: Born in 1611. She married Thomas Scott in 1636.