Thomas Gargrave facts for kids
Sir Thomas Gargrave (born 1495, died 1579) was an important English Knight. He held powerful positions, including High Sheriff of Yorkshire in 1565 and 1569. He also served as Speaker of the House of Commons and was a leader in the Council of the North. His main home was Nostell Priory, which was one of many lands he gained during his life.
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Early Life and Family Connections
Thomas Gargrave was born in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. His father was also named Thomas Gargrave. His mother was Elizabeth, from the Levett family of Hooton Levitt and Normanton, West Yorkshire.
Through his mother's family, Thomas Gargrave was connected to many other important families in Yorkshire. These included the Wickersleys, Swyfts, Reresbys, Barnbys, Wentworths, and Bosviles.
He received a legal education, likely at Gray's Inn or the Middle Temple. By 1521, he started working as a steward for Lord Darcy of the North. Even early in his career, it was clear he was very ambitious and driven.
Rising in Politics and Power
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Sir Thomas Gargrave served in Scotland in 1547. He was the treasurer for the English army during a conflict known as the Rough Wooing. Later, the Earl of Shrewsbury helped him get a spot on the Council of the North. This important role required him to become a knight.
With the help of Lord Darcy, Gargrave quickly rose through the ranks. He was knighted in 1549. He became a Knight of the Shire (a representative in Parliament) for Yorkshire many times. He served in 1553, 1554, 1555, 1563, 1571, and 1572.
He also held many other important jobs. These included Deputy Constable for Pontefract Castle and Steward of York Minster. He was also a Receiver of the Exchequer (a financial officer) for Yorkshire. He became a Master in Chancery and a Recorder (a judge) for Kingston upon Hull. Sir Thomas Gargrave went from being a humble steward to one of the most powerful men in England. He often worked on Yorkshire matters and at the royal court.
In 1559, he was chosen as the Speaker in Queen Elizabeth's first parliament. He was well-known for a speech he gave on January 25, 1559. In this speech, he strongly encouraged Queen Elizabeth I to marry.
He was appointed High Sheriff of Yorkshire in 1565 and again in 1569. In 1567, he bought Nostell Priory from Lord Mountjoy for £3560.
During a time of unrest called the Northern Rebellion in 1569, he was in charge of Pontefract Castle. He also guarded bridges over the River Aire with 100 soldiers.
Family Life
Sir Thomas Gargrave first married Anne Cotton. She was the daughter of William Cotton from Oxon Hoath, Kent. They had one child together, Sir Cotton Gargrave, who also became High Sheriff of Yorkshire.
After Anne passed away, Sir Thomas married Jane. She was the widow of Sir John Wentworth.
Sir Thomas Gargrave's Legacy
Sir Thomas Gargrave was a very important figure in his time. He was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth and her minister, Burghley. He was also the person who escorted Mary of Scots from Bolton to Tutbury.
The story of the Gargrave family is often told as an example of how a family can rise to great power and then face challenges. The family gained many lands and high positions. However, over time, their fortunes changed.
Most of Sir Thomas Gargrave's properties went to his grandson, Thomas Gargrave. This grandson's daughter married Dr. Richard Berry. He was a physician to Oliver Cromwell. It is said that Berry gained control of the family's wealth.
Sir Thomas Gargrave is buried in the south choir of St Michael and Our Lady Church. This church is located within the grounds of Nostell Priory. His tomb has a monument that tells about his life. It states he died on March 28, 1579. It also mentions his service in wars and as a counselor. The monument lists his wives and his two sons, Cotton and John.
