Thomas Fanshawe, 1st Viscount Fanshawe facts for kids
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Thomas Fanshawe, 1st Viscount Fanshawe (born 1596 – died 30 March 1665) was an English politician. A politician is someone who works in government. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is a part of the English Parliament, at different times between 1621 and 1661. During the English Civil War, he supported the King's side, known as the Royalists. After the King was put back on the throne (this was called the Restoration), Thomas Fanshawe was given a special noble title, becoming a Viscount.
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Early Life and Family Background
Thomas Fanshawe was the son of Sir Henry Fanshawe. His family lived at Ware Park in Hertfordshire, England. His mother was Elizabeth Smythe. Her father was Thomas Smythe. Thomas Fanshawe's father had an important job in the government. He was the Remembrancer of the Exchequer. This role involved keeping important financial records for the King.
Thomas Fanshawe's Public Service
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When his father passed away in 1616, Thomas Fanshawe took over the role of Remembrancer of the Exchequer. He officially started his duties in 1619. In 1621, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for the area of Hertford. An MP is a person elected to represent their area in the House of Commons.
He was re-elected as MP for Hertford in 1624 and 1625. In 1626, he was elected MP for Preston. On 2 February 1626, during the crowning of King Charles I, Thomas Fanshawe was made a Knight of the Bath. This was a special honour.
In 1628, he was again elected MP for Hertford. He served until 1629. At this time, King Charles I decided to rule without Parliament for eleven years. In April 1640, Fanshawe was re-elected MP for Hertford for a short time. This was known as the Short Parliament. Later, in November 1640, he was re-elected for the Long Parliament.
Role in the English Civil War
In 1641, Thomas Fanshawe was appointed a commissioner for the King. This meant he helped gather support and resources for the King. He fought on the King's side, the Royalists, in the Battle of Edgehill. This was a major battle in the English Civil War.
Because he supported the King, Parliament removed him from his position as MP on 25 November 1643. Parliament also took control of his property. Orders were given to sell his belongings in June 1643. A group was set up to investigate if some of his property was hidden. Eventually, he paid £1,310 to get some of his estates back. However, he had lost most of his wealth.
In April 1646, Fanshawe was with Prince Charles (who later became King Charles II) in Jersey. In August, his brother, Sir Richard Fanshawe, visited him in Caen, where Thomas was ill.
After the Restoration
After the King was restored to power in 1660, Thomas Fanshawe's fortunes improved. In 1661, he was elected MP for Hertfordshire for the Cavalier Parliament. On 5 September 1661, he was given the noble title of Viscount Fanshawe of Dromore. This made him a member of the Irish peerage.
Family Life
Lord Fanshawe was married twice. His first wife was Anne Alington. They had one daughter named Anne (1628-1714). After Anne's death, Lord Fanshawe married Elizabeth Cockayne. She was the fourth daughter of Sir William Cockayne.
Lord Fanshawe and Elizabeth Cockayne had several children, including:
- Thomas Fanshawe, 2nd Viscount Fanshawe (1632-1674)
- Henry Fanshawe
- Charles Fanshawe, 4th Viscount Fanshawe (1643-1710)
- Simon Fanshawe, 5th Viscount Fanshawe (around 1649-1716)
- Elizabeth Fanshawe, who married a distant relative, Sir Thomas Fanshawe of Jenkins.
Lord Fanshawe died without leaving a will. He passed away at his home in Hatton Garden and was buried in Ware on 30 March 1665.
Some people mistakenly believe his second wife, Elizabeth, remarried Sir Thomas Rich, Baronet. However, the Elizabeth Cockayne who married Sir Thomas Rich was from a different family, even though her father was also named William Cockayne.
Images for kids
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Thomas Fanshawe, 2nd Viscount Fanshawe
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Charles Fanshawe, 4th Viscount Fanshawe
