Thomas Finch (soldier) facts for kids
Sir Thomas Finch (died 1563) was an important English nobleman, a brave knight, and a skilled military leader. He lived during a time of big changes in England, serving both Queen Mary I and Queen Elizabeth I.
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Early Life and Military Career
Thomas Finch was the second son of Sir William Finch. His father was honored with a knighthood for his service in a battle called the Battle of the Spurs in 1513. Sir William also attended King Henry VIII with many followers in 1520. Thomas's mother was Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir James Cromer.
Thomas had an older brother named Lawrence. When Lawrence passed away without having children, Thomas inherited his family's property. Thomas was trained to be a soldier from a young age.
Stopping a Rebellion
In 1553, Thomas Finch helped stop a major uprising in Kent known as Wyatt's rebellion. This rebellion was against Queen Mary I. For his efforts in putting down the rebellion, Thomas was knighted on October 2, 1553, the day after Queen Mary's coronation.
Serving Queen Elizabeth I
When Queen Elizabeth I came to power in 1559, there were some disagreements about new church laws. A church official named Nicholas Harpsfeld was causing trouble in Canterbury. Sir Thomas Finch was sent to Canterbury to handle the situation and make sure Harpsfeld's household was not causing any harm.
In early 1563, Sir Thomas was given an important job. He became the knight-marshal of the English army fighting near Le Havre in France. He quickly sent his half-brother, Sir Erasmus Finch, to take charge temporarily. He also sent his relative, Thomas Finch, to help keep order.
Tragic Journey to Le Havre
Sir Thomas Finch himself set sail for Le Havre in March 1563 on a ship called the Greyhound. He had about 200 people with him, including other important noblemen. As they got close to Le Havre, strong winds pushed their ship back towards Rye.
Sir Thomas and his friends convinced the ship's captain to try to enter the harbor even though the tide was not right. Sadly, the ship was lost, and almost everyone on board drowned. Only seven people survived. This tragic news reached the royal court two days later and caused great sadness. Sir Thomas Finch was buried in Eastwell, Kent.
Family Life and Legacy
Sir Thomas Finch married Catherine Moyle. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Moyle, a high-ranking official. Through this marriage, Sir Thomas Finch gained ownership of Eastwell, a large property.
After Sir Thomas died, his wife Catherine remarried. She passed away in 1587. Sir Thomas and Catherine had several children. Three sons and one daughter survived him.
Notable Children
Their second son, Sir Henry Finch, became a well-known lawyer. Their third son, Thomas, died without children during a military trip to Portugal in 1589.
Their daughter, Jane, married George Wyatt. Interestingly, George Wyatt was the son of Sir Thomas Wyatt, the leader of the rebellion that Sir Thomas Finch had helped to stop years earlier.
Sir Thomas's oldest son and heir was Moyle Finch. Moyle inherited Eastwell after his mother's death. He was later made a baronet in 1611. Moyle married Elizabeth Heneage. After Moyle's death, his wife Elizabeth was given the titles Viscountess Maidstone and then Countess of Winchilsea. Their eldest son, Thomas, became the next Earl of Winchilsea. Another son, Sir Heneage Finch, became the Speaker of the House of Commons.
