Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron Darcy of Chiche facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Darcy of Chiche
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Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron Darcy of Chiche
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| Lord Chamberlain | |
| In office 1551–1553 |
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| Monarch | Edward VI |
| Preceded by | The Lord Wentworth |
| Succeeded by | Sir John Gage |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 4 December 1506 |
| Died | 28 June 1558 (aged 51) Wivenhoe, Essex, England |
| Resting place | St Osyth, Essex, England |
| Spouse | Elizabeth de Vere |
| Children | John de Vere, 2nd Baron Darcy of Chiche |
| Occupation | Courtier |
Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron Darcy of Chiche (born December 4, 1506 – died June 28, 1558) was an important English courtier. He worked for King Edward VI. Thomas Darcy held several key jobs, including Vice-Chamberlain of the Household and Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard. Later, he became the Lord Chamberlain of the Household. He was put under house arrest because he supported Lady Jane Grey to become queen after Edward VI.
Early Life and Family
Thomas Darcy was born in 1506. He was the only son of Roger Darcy and Elizabeth Wentworth. Elizabeth was the aunt of Queen Jane Seymour.
After his father died, Thomas Darcy was cared for by Sir John Raynsford. In 1521, Thomas married Raynsford's daughter, Audrey. She died without children in 1527. Later, he married Elizabeth, who was the daughter of John de Vere, 15th Earl of Oxford.
Thomas and Elizabeth had several children. Their son, John, later became the 2nd Baron Darcy of Chiche. John married Frances Rich, and they had a son named Thomas. This later Thomas became the 3rd Baron and 1st Earl Rivers.
Political Career
Thomas Darcy became a knight in 1532. This was an honor given by the King. He also served in Parliament, which is like a country's main law-making group. He represented the area of Essex in 1539, 1545, and 1547.
After the Earl of Oxford died in 1540, Thomas Darcy took over some important jobs. These jobs included looking after places like St. Osyth's and Colchester Castle. His family connections, especially to the de Veres and his cousin Edward Seymour, helped him gain influence at court.
By 1540, he was a Carver of the King's Table. This meant he served the King directly. He became a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber by 1544. This was a close advisor to the King. In 1549, he became a Principal Gentleman of the Privy Chamber.
On January 24, 1550, he joined the Privy Council. This was a group of the King's most trusted advisors. Soon after, he became the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household and Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard.
On April 5, 1551, he was given the title Baron Darcy of Chiche. This made him a noble. He was also appointed Lord Chamberlain of the Household. In this role, he helped to change how the government collected money. On October 6, he was chosen to join the Order of the Garter. This is a very old and important group of knights.
Thomas Darcy was one of the people who signed a document to make Lady Jane Grey the next queen after King Edward VI. Because he supported Lady Jane Grey, he was put under house arrest by Queen Mary I. He was later forgiven, but he lost his important jobs and his place on the Privy Council.
Thomas Darcy died on June 28, 1558, in Wivenhoe, Essex. He was buried at St Osyth's Priory. His oldest son, John, became the 2nd Baron Darcy of Chiche.
