Thomas Fanshawe facts for kids
Sir Thomas Fanshawe (born 1580 – died 1631) was an important English government official and politician. He served in the English Parliament, known as the House of Commons, for many years between 1601 and 1629. He was also given the special title of Knight of the Bath.
Who Was Sir Thomas Fanshawe?
Early Life and Education
Thomas Fanshawe was born in 1580 and was the second son of his father, also named Thomas Fanshawe. His father had a very important job as the Queen's Remembrancer of the Exchequer, which meant he kept track of the Queen's money and records.
Young Thomas went to Queens' College, Cambridge, a famous university, and later studied law at the Inner Temple in London starting in 1595. He also worked as an auditor, checking financial records, for the Duchy of Lancaster. In 1601, when his father passed away, Thomas inherited the family estates of Jenkins and Barking Manor in Essex.
His Political Journey
Thomas Fanshawe began his political career in 1601 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Bedford. He then served as an MP for Lancaster starting in 1604. In 1606, he became a barrister, a type of lawyer.
He continued to be re-elected as MP for Lancaster in 1614, 1621, 1624, 1625, 1626, and 1628. In 1624, King James honored him by making him a knight. Sir Thomas Fanshawe served in Parliament until 1629. At that time, King Charles decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years.
Family Life
Sir Thomas Fanshawe married Anne Babington. They had three sons, but only one, named Thomas, lived longer than his father. Sir Thomas also had a half-brother, Sir Henry Fanshawe.
