Thomas Darcy, 1st Earl Rivers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Rivers
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|---|---|
| 1st Earl Rivers | |
| Tenure | 1626–1640 |
| Successor | John Savage, 2nd Earl Rivers |
| Other titles | Viscount Colchester Baron Darcy of Chiche |
| Born | Thomas Darcy c. 1565 |
| Died | 25 February 1640 (aged 74–75) Winchester House, London |
| Buried | St Osyth, St Peter and St Paul church, Essex 51°47′55″N 1°04′38″E / 51.79863°N 1.07724°E |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouse(s) | Mary Kitson |
| Issue | Thomas Darcy Edward Darcy Elizabeth Darcy Mary Darcy Penelope Darcy Susan Darcy |
| Parents | John Darcy, 2nd Baron Darcy of Chiche Frances Rich |
Thomas Darcy, who lived from about 1565 to 1640, was an important English nobleman. He served as a trusted helper and friend to three English rulers: Queen Elizabeth I, King James I, and King Charles I. He held the special title of the first Earl Rivers.
Contents
Becoming a Nobleman
Thomas Darcy was born around 1565. His father was John Darcy, the 2nd Baron Darcy of Chiche. His grandfather, also named Thomas Darcy, was known for supporting Lady Jane Grey.
Inheriting Titles
In March 1581, when his father passed away, Thomas became the 3rd Baron Darcy of Chiche. The name "Chiche" was the old name for a place called St Osyth in Essex.
In 1613, he received a new official document for his title, Baron Darcy of Chiche. This document had a special rule. If he didn't have any sons to pass the title to, it would go to his son-in-law, Sir Thomas Savage, and his family.
Serving the Kings and Queens
Thomas Darcy spent time at the royal courts of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. A "courtier" was someone who advised and spent time with the King or Queen.
He was given more important titles as he grew older:
- On July 5, 1621, he was made Viscount Colchester. This was a high rank in the English nobility.
- Later, on November 4, 1626, King Charles I honored him even more. Thomas Darcy became Earl Rivers.
Both of these new titles also had the special rule. They would pass to Sir Thomas Savage and his family if Thomas Darcy had no male heirs.
Family Life
Earl Rivers married Mary Kitson. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Kitson. Together, they had several children:
- Thomas Darcy (died 1614): He worked as a page, or helper, for Prince Henry, the King's son. He even performed in a special event called "Prince Henry's Barriers" in 1610.
- Elizabeth Darcy (1581–1651): She married Thomas Savage, who became the 1st Viscount Savage. They had children, including John Savage, who would later become the 2nd Earl Rivers.
- Mary Darcy (died 1627): She married Roger Manwood in 1615 but did not have any children.
- Penelope Darcy (died 1661): She was known for her strong religious beliefs. She married three times. First, to Sir George Trenchard in 1610. Then, in 1611, she married Sir John Gage, and they had children. Her third marriage was to Sir William Hervey in 1642.
- Susan Darcy: She never married.
Later Years and Legacy
Thomas Darcy, the 1st Earl Rivers, passed away on February 25, 1640. He died at Winchester House in London. He was buried in St Osyth, Essex, alongside his family members.
After his death, his grandson, John Savage, 2nd Earl Rivers, took over most of his titles. The very first title, the Barony of Darcy of Chiche from 1581, did not pass to him.
In 1644, a list was made of all the belongings of Mary, the Countess-Dowager Rivers. This list described the furniture in the rooms of a house, but it wasn't St Osyth's Priory.
