Thomas Gorges facts for kids

Portrait of Sir Thomas Gorges, who worked for Queen Elizabeth I

The Gorges family symbol (coat of arms)

Longford Castle in Wiltshire, built by Sir Thomas Gorges

Sir Thomas Gorges (born 1536 – died 1610) was an important person in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. He lived at Longford Castle in Wiltshire, England. He was a "Groom of the Chamber," which meant he was a close helper to the Queen.

Sir Thomas Gorges was related to some famous queens. His great-grandmother was Lady Anne Howard. This made him a second cousin to both Queen Anne Boleyn and Queen Catherine Howard. Both of these queens were wives of King Henry VIII. In 1586, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Downton in Wiltshire. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

Where Did Sir Thomas Gorges Come From?

Thomas Gorges was born in Wraxall, Somerset. His father was Sir Edward Gorges. Thomas came from a long line of important people. His family name, Gorges, was adopted by an ancestor named Theobald Russell II. This happened so the family name and symbols would continue.

Sir Thomas Gorges's Work

Sir Thomas Gorges was in charge of Hurst Castle in Hampshire. This was an important job. In 1588, when the Spanish Armada tried to attack England, a Spanish ship carrying silver got stuck near the castle. Queen Elizabeth I gave Sir Thomas's wife, Lady Gorges, ownership of the ship and its treasure.

In 1586, he was made a knight. This meant he was given the title "Sir." Later, when King James I ruled, Sir Thomas and his wife were given more important jobs. They were put in charge of the Richmond Palace in Surrey. They looked after the palace, its supplies, and the gardens and park. Lady Gorges also received a yearly payment from the Queen.

Sir Thomas Gorges's Family

In 1576, Sir Thomas Gorges married Helena Snakenborg. She was from Sweden and had been married before to William Parr. William Parr was the brother of Queen Catherine Parr, who was King Henry VIII's last wife. Helena was also a close helper to Queen Elizabeth I.

Sir Thomas and Helena had several children:

Sons

• Francis Gorges (born around 1579 – died 1599). He was their oldest son but passed away before his father.
• Edward Gorges, 1st Baron Gorges (born 1582 or 1583 – died 1652).
• Sir Theobald Gorges (born 1583 – died 1647). He also became a Member of Parliament.
• Robert Gorges (born around 1589 – died 1648). He was also a Member of Parliament.
• Thomas Gorges (born 1589 – died after 1624).

Daughters

• Elizabeth Gorges (born 1578 – died 1659). She married Sir Hugh Smythe and later Sir Ferdinando Gorges.
• Frances Gorges (born 1580 – died 1649). She married Thomas Tyringham.
• Bridget Gorges (born 1584 – died around 1634). She married Sir Robert Phelips.

Building Longford Castle

In 1573, Sir Thomas Gorges bought the land for Longford Castle in Wiltshire. With the help of his wife, Helena, he built the amazing Longford Castle. It was built next to the River Avon. The castle has a unique triangular shape with a round tower at each corner. It also had a deer park and beautiful gardens.

Death and Memorial

The monument for Sir Thomas Gorges and his wife in Salisbury Cathedral

Another view of the monument in Salisbury Cathedral

Sir Thomas Gorges was buried in Salisbury Cathedral. You can still see a grand monument there. It has statues of him and his wife. His son, Edward Gorges, had it built in 1635 after his mother passed away. The monument has interesting shapes carved into it, like cubes and other geometric forms. These shapes might represent ideas about the universe and navigation, which was an important skill back then.