Thomas Fleetwood (1661–1717) facts for kids

Thomas Fleetwood (1661–1717) was an important British landowner. He is best known for his big project to drain a large lake called Martin Mere in England. This was a huge engineering challenge for his time.

Thomas Fleetwood's Life and Work

Thomas Fleetwood was born in 1661. He was the oldest son of Sir Thomas Fleetwood, who was a baronet. Thomas Fleetwood married Anne Banastre. She was the daughter of Christopher Banastre, who owned Bank Hall in Lancashire. Around 1690, Thomas Fleetwood bought some land called Marton Grange, also in Lancashire.

The Challenge of Martin Mere

The land Thomas Fleetwood bought was right next to a very large lake called Martin Mere. This lake was huge, covering about 3,132 acres. That's like more than 2,300 football fields! It was also about eighteen miles around. Thomas Fleetwood decided he wanted to drain this massive lake. Draining means removing the water to turn the lakebed into dry land.

Starting the Drainage Project

First, Thomas Fleetwood needed permission from other landowners. He got a special agreement from them to use their rights to the lake for a long time. Then, in 1692, he got an act of parliament. This was a special law passed by the government that allowed him to start his project.

Work began the very next year, in 1693. It was a huge undertaking! At times, as many as 2,000 workers were busy draining the lake. Imagine how much effort that took without modern machines!

Results and Later Efforts

Thomas Fleetwood's project was very successful for about 60 years. The land that was once a lake became useful. However, in 1755, the sea broke through and damaged much of the drained land.

Later, in 1781, another person named Thomas Eccleston tried to drain the lake again. But it wasn't until the mid-1800s that Sir Peter Hesketh finally managed to turn the area into truly fertile and profitable farmland.

Thomas Fleetwood's Legacy

Thomas Fleetwood passed away on April 22, 1717. He was buried at St Cuthbert's Church, Churchtown. There is a monument there that praises his hard work and his brave spirit. His only daughter, Henrietta Maria Fleetwood, married Thomas Legh.