Thomas Heneage facts for kids
Sir Thomas Heneage (born in 1532, died October 17, 1595) was an English politician and a close helper to Queen Elizabeth I. He worked in her royal court and was a member of her Privy Council, which was a group of important advisors.
Early Life and Family
Thomas Heneage was born at a place called Copt Hall in Epping, Essex. His parents were Sir Robert Heneage and Lucy Buckton. Both his father, Robert, and his uncle, Thomas, worked for Henry VIII, another English king. His uncle even held a very important job called the Groom of the Stool. Thomas Heneage went to college at Queens' College, Cambridge.
In 1554, Thomas Heneage married Anne Poyntz. They had one daughter named Elizabeth. Elizabeth later married Sir Moyle Finch. After Anne passed away in 1593, Thomas married Mary Browne in 1594. They did not have any children together.
Working for the Queen
Thomas Heneage became a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to help make laws for the country. He represented different areas like Stamford, Arundel, Boston, Lincolnshire, and Essex over many years.
Around 1565, Thomas Heneage started working directly for Queen Elizabeth I as a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber. This was a special role that meant he was often close to the Queen. The Queen sometimes showed him special attention, which made her favorite, Robert Dudley, a bit jealous. However, Thomas Heneage and Robert Dudley were good friends. Dudley even called him "my good old friend" in his will.
In 1570, Thomas Heneage became the Treasurer of the Queen's Privy Chamber. This was an important job managing the Queen's personal money. He was made a knight in 1577, which meant he was given the title "Sir."
In 1586, Queen Elizabeth sent Sir Thomas Heneage to the Netherlands. His job was to tell the Dutch leaders that the Queen was very unhappy. They had given a special title, Governor-General, to Robert Dudley, and the Queen did not approve. Sir Thomas Heneage had to read the Queen's letters of disapproval out loud, with Robert Dudley standing nearby.
Later, in 1587, he became the Vice-Chamberlain of the Household. This was another high-ranking position in the Queen's court. He also joined the Privy Council of England, becoming one of the Queen's main advisors. In 1590, he was made the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, which involved managing royal lands.
Sir Thomas Heneage was also a friend of Francis Walsingham, another important person in Queen Elizabeth's government. He also helped manage disagreements between other courtiers, like Sir Christopher Hatton and Sir Walter Raleigh, who both wanted the Queen's favor.
Sir Thomas Heneage passed away on October 17, 1595. He was buried in Old St Paul's Cathedral in London. Sadly, his grave and monument were destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Today, there is a modern monument in the rebuilt cathedral that lists his name among other important people buried there.
