Thomas Fanshawe (1628–1705) facts for kids

Thomas Fanshawe

Sir Thomas Fanshawe (1628–1705) was an important English politician. He lived during a time of big changes in England, including the English Civil War. He held important jobs for the King and was a member of Parliament.

Sir Thomas Fanshawe's Life

Sir Thomas was born in 1628. His father was Thomas Fanshawe of Jenkins, and his mother was Susan Otten. During the First English Civil War, he and his father supported the King. They were known as "royalists." In 1645 and 1646, they were in the West of England fighting for the King. Later, in 1659, Sir Thomas was arrested. In 1660, after the King returned to power in what was called the English Restoration, Thomas Fanshawe was made a knight. He took over an important government job from his father. This job was called Clerk of the Crown in the King's Bench. In 1685, he became a Member of Parliament for Essex. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

Sir Thomas Fanshawe's Family

Sir Thomas Fanshawe of Jenkins and his first wife Margaret, a painting from 1659 by Peter Lely.

Sir Thomas Fanshawe was married two times. His first wife was Margaret Heath. She was the daughter of Sir Edward Heath. Margaret passed away in 1674. His second wife was Elizabeth Fanshawe. She was the daughter of Thomas Fanshawe, 1st Viscount Fanshawe. Sir Thomas and Margaret had a daughter named Susannah. Susannah later married Baptist Noel. They had a son named Baptist Noel, 3rd Earl of Gainsborough. When Susannah (Sir Thomas's daughter) passed away in 1714, her house at Jenkins went to her own daughter, who was also named Susannah. This younger Susannah sold the house in 1717 to Sir William Humfreys, 1st Baronet. A new house was built there later, in a style called Queen Anne.