Thomas Frowyk facts for kids

Sir Thomas Frowyk (born around 1460 – died 7 October 1506) was an important English judge. He held the title of King's Serjeant, which meant he was a very skilled lawyer who advised the King. Later, he became the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, one of the highest legal positions in England.

Sir Thomas Frowyk's Family Background

Thomas Frowyk was born in Gunnersbury, which is in Middlesex, England. His father, also named Sir Thomas Frowyk, was a successful merchant in London. He sold fine fabrics and goods. Thomas's mother was Jane Sturgeon.

Thomas had two sisters, Isabel and Elizabeth, and a brother, Sir Henry Frowyk. His grandfather, Henry Frowyk, was also a very important person in London. He was a merchant, an alderman (a city official), and even served as the Lord Mayor of London twice.

The Frowyk family had a significant home in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Many of Thomas's relatives are buried there. However, Sir Thomas Frowyk himself was buried in Finchley.

Sir Thomas Frowyk's Legal Career

Thomas Frowyk likely studied at Cambridge University. He then joined the Inner Temple, which was a famous place where lawyers were trained. He became a very respected lawyer and judge.

Around 1486, he was appointed the Common Serjeant of London. This was a legal role in the city's government. In 1495, he became a Serjeant-at-law, a special type of senior lawyer. By November 1501, he was made a King's Serjeant, meaning he was one of the King's top legal advisors.

On 30 September 1502, he reached a very high position. He was appointed the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas. This meant he was the head judge of one of England's main courts. This court dealt with common legal cases between people.

As Chief Justice, he helped settle a big disagreement between the town and university of Cambridge. He helped create rules that clearly defined their powers. He was known for his smart legal decisions.

Sir Thomas Frowyk was knighted in 1502, which meant he was given the title "Sir." He passed away on 7 October 1506. He was buried in Finchley next to his first wife, Joan. People at the time thought he was one of the wisest legal minds of his era.

Marriages and Children

Sir Thomas Frowyk was married twice.

His first wife was Joan Bardville. They had a son named Thomas, but he sadly died when he was young.

His second wife was Elizabeth Carnevyle. They married by 1498. Elizabeth was from Tockington, Gloucestershire. Together, they had a daughter named Frideswide. When her father died, Frideswide was about eight years old. She later married Sir Thomas Cheyney, who became a very important person in England.

After Sir Thomas Frowyk passed away, his wife Elizabeth married Thomas Jakes. He was also involved in the legal world. Sir Thomas Frowyk's niece, Elizabeth, married Sir John Spelman, who also became a judge.