Thomas FitzAlan facts for kids

Sir Thomas FitzAlan was an important English knight who lived a long time ago, in the Middle Ages. He passed away in 1430. Sir Thomas was from a place called Betchworth Castle in Surrey, England.

Who Was Sir Thomas FitzAlan?

Sir Thomas FitzAlan was the second son of John FitzAlan, 2nd Baron Arundel and Elizabeth le Despenser. His family was quite well-known in England during that time. His older brother was John Fitzalan, who later became the 6th Earl of Arundel. Sir Thomas also had a younger brother named Edward Fitzalan. Their grandfather was John FitzAlan (also known as D'Arundel).

Betchworth Castle: His Home

Sir Thomas FitzAlan was the owner, or "Lord," of Betchworth Castle. This castle was a significant place for his family. It was also sometimes called Beechworth Castle.

Sir Thomas's Family Life

Sir Thomas FitzAlan married a woman named Joan Moyns. Together, they had a daughter named Eleanor FitzAlan. Eleanor later married a knight named Sir Thomas Browne. Eleanor and Sir Thomas Browne had a large family with four sons and one daughter.

Famous Family Connections

The family of Sir Thomas FitzAlan and his daughter Eleanor became ancestors to many famous English families over the centuries. This means that many important people who lived much later were related to them. One very famous person who was a descendant is the poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Another notable descendant was John Brown, an American who fought against slavery.

The Castle Changes Hands

Later in his life, Sir Thomas FitzAlan decided to sell Betchworth Castle. He sold it to his son-in-law, Sir Thomas Browne. When Sir Thomas FitzAlan passed away, the castle officially moved from the FitzAlan family to the Browne family. The Browne family then lived in Betchworth Castle for a very long time, until the year 1690.