Thomas Gower (marshal of Berwick) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Gower (active from 1543 to 1577) was an English soldier and an important official. He held the title of Marshal of Berwick-upon-Tweed, which meant he was in charge of the military and defenses of that important border town.

Early Life and Family

Thomas Gower was the son of Sir Edward Gower. His family came from a place called Stittenham in Yorkshire, England. His father was a commissioner of the peace in Yorkshire, which meant he helped keep law and order in the area. Thomas's mother was Margery, the daughter of Sir Robert Constable.

A Career in Defense

Thomas Gower became the Marshal of Berwick, a key town on the border with Scotland. In 1543, he was given even more responsibility. He became the "receiver-general" and "supervisor" of all the buildings and defenses in Berwick. This also included Wark Castle, another important border stronghold. This meant he managed the money and oversaw the construction and repair of these vital fortifications.

Serving King Edward VI

When Edward VI became king, Thomas Gower continued his important work. On September 1, 1547, he was made the surveyor of the king's lands in Northumberland. He also became the captain of Eyemouth, a town near Berwick.

Just before this, in July 1547, Gower had warned the Privy Council (the king's main advisors) that Scotland was preparing for war. He then joined the army led by the Duke of Somerset, who was the Lord Protector (the king's chief advisor and ruler). This army invaded Scotland.

The Battle of Pinkie

During the Battle of Pinkie on September 10, 1547, Gower was a cavalry officer. He and two other officers were captured. This happened because they were "too much forwardness," meaning they were too eager and went ahead of the main army.

Challenges and New Roles

After being captured, Gower had to pay a large amount of money for his freedom. This was a big burden for him because he was not a rich man. He also had many expenses while serving at Eyemouth. Because of his financial struggles, he had to let someone else take over some of his duties as surveyor.

For a time, he was a commander at the siege of Haddington in Scotland. In 1549, he traveled to London to ask for money he was owed for his work at Eyemouth. He also felt that his other services had not been properly rewarded.

Three years later, in 1552, King Edward VI helped him out. The king, influenced by the Duke of Northumberland, forgave £100 of the £300 Gower owed to the crown. However, in November 1552, Christopher Rokeby took over Gower's position as Marshal of Berwick.

Later Years and Legacy

In 1558, Thomas Gower was mentioned as the master of the "ordinance" in the northern parts of England. This meant he was in charge of military supplies like cannons and weapons. In 1559, he complained that someone else had been appointed above him. However, he held the post again in 1560. That year, he became the master of the ordinance for the army sent to attack Leith in Scotland.

After returning from Scotland, he continued to work on surveying and improving defenses. In 1569, the Earl of Sussex sent him to help fortify Newcastle.

His last mention was in 1577. He had been sent to Kingston-upon-Hull to inspect the castle and forts there. A letter described him as a "man well given in religion, and of good experience." This means he was considered a religious and very experienced person.

Thomas Gower had a son named Edward with his first wife, Anne Mauleverer. Edward followed in his father's footsteps.