Thomas Docwra facts for kids
Sir Thomas Docwra (born around 1458 – died 1527) was a very important leader in England. He was the Grand Prior of the Knights Hospitaller in England. This meant he was in charge of all their activities and properties there.
Because of his role, he was considered the most important non-religious noble in England. He had a powerful position in the country's government.
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Sir Thomas Docwra's Family Background
Sir Thomas Docwra came from a well-known family called Docwra. They were from Hertfordshire, a county in England. His family was connected to an older branch of the Docwra family from Kendal.
His father was likely Richard Docwra. His mother was Alice Green. The family home was Highdown House in Pirton, Hertfordshire.
At Highdown House, there is a special stone from 1504. It shows the Docwra family shield and says "Thomas Docwra, Miles, 1504." This date is when he built St John's Gate, Clerkenwell.
Sir Thomas Docwra's Journey as a Knight
Thomas Docwra joined the Knights Hospitaller when he was about 16 years old. He spent four years training to become a knight.
In 1480, he was on the island of Rhodes. He helped defend the island when it was attacked by the Turks. Later, he became a leader for the Order's lands in Dinmore, Herefordshire.
In 1494, he became the Prior of Ireland. This meant he was the head of the Order in Ireland. A year later, he became the Turcopolier of the English tongue. This was a high-ranking military role.
By 1499, he was the Captain of the Castle of St. Peter in Bodrum, Turkey. This was an important fortress for the Knights.
Becoming Grand Prior in England
In 1501, Sir Thomas Docwra became the Grand Prior in England. This was a very big job. He was now responsible for all the Knights Hospitaller's properties in England. There were over 40 of these properties, from Cornwall to Northumberland.
He changed how the Order managed its lands. He stopped renting out properties to people who were not part of the Order. For example, at Temple Balsall, he ended a lease and tried to get back money owed.
However, he did lease some land to his nephew, John Docwra, in 1519. He also leased land in Hampton to Thomas Wolsey. Wolsey built Hampton Court there, which later became a royal palace for Henry VIII of England.
As Grand Prior, Docwra would visit all the Order's properties once a year.
Sir Thomas Docwra's Role in Government
As the head of the Knights Hospitaller in England, Sir Thomas Docwra was a very important person. He was considered the most senior non-religious noble in England. He had a special seat in the House of Lords, which is part of the English Parliament.
He was part of the King's special group of advisors, called the Privy Council. He was also given the title of Admiral of the English Fleet.
Sir Thomas Docwra helped the King with many tasks. He worked on projects like improving drainage in Lincolnshire. He also helped investigate problems with money at the Royal Mint.
In 1520, he helped with a search for suspicious people in London. He also handled important talks about marriages and business for King Henry VII and his son, King Henry VIII.
In 1510, the Grand Master of the Order asked Docwra to come to Rhodes to help fight the Turks. But King Henry VIII would not let him leave England. In 1512, the King expected him to bring 300 soldiers and a large ship for a military trip to France.
In 1520, he went with King Henry VIII to a famous meeting called the Field of the Cloth of Gold. This meeting was near Calais, France.
Sir Thomas Docwra's Later Life and Passing
Sir Thomas Docwra passed away in May 1527. He died at the Order's main building in England, Clerkenwell Priory. He was buried there.
His lands and property went to his nephew, also named Thomas Docwra. This nephew later became the Sheriff of Hertfordshire.
After Sir Thomas Docwra, Sir William Weston became the next Grand Prior. He was the last Grand Prior in England before the Order's properties were taken by the King during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
See also
- List of the priors of Saint John of Jerusalem in England
