Thomas Gardiner (Royalist) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Gardiner (1591–1652) was an important English lawyer and politician. He was a member of the English Parliament in 1640. He was a strong supporter of the King, known as a Royalist, during the English Civil War.

Who Was Sir Thomas Gardiner?

Thomas Gardiner was born in 1591. He grew up to become a very skilled lawyer. He was also involved in politics, helping to make decisions for the country.

Early Career and Politics

Gardiner became a lawyer in 1618. He joined a famous legal society in London called the Inner Temple. In 1636, he became the Recorder of London. This was a high legal position, like a chief judge for the city.

In 1639, he became the treasurer of his legal society. The next year, in April 1640, Gardiner was chosen to be a Member of Parliament. He represented a place called Callington in what was known as the Short Parliament.

Supporting the King

Sir Thomas Gardiner was a loyal supporter of King Charles I. These supporters were known as Royalists. When King Charles I visited London in 1641, he was very impressed by Gardiner's speech. The King even made him a knight.

During the English Civil War, Gardiner continued to support the King. He worked as a top lawyer for the King's side. He was also involved in important discussions, like the Treaty of Uxbridge, which tried to end the war. In 1647, after the war, he was pardoned by Parliament. This meant he was forgiven for his support of the King, after paying a fine.

Family Life

Sir Thomas Gardiner had a daughter named Mary. She became a Maid of Honour to Queen Henrietta Maria in France. Later, she was one of the four Dressers to Queen Catherine.

Mary married a man named Sir Henry Wood. Sadly, she died young, at age 38, from smallpox in 1671. She was buried in Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London. Mary's only child also died young from smallpox in 1680.