Thomas Hewet facts for kids
Sir Thomas Hewet (born around 1656, died 1726) was an important English architect, surveyor, and landowner. He was also a Fellow of the Royal Society, a group for top scientists and thinkers. He is known for designing buildings and managing large estates.
Contents
Life
Sir Thomas Hewet had an interesting life, from inheriting a large estate as a child to becoming a respected architect.
Early Life and Learning
Thomas was born into a wealthy family. His father was William Hewet, and his mother was Mary Prynce. His family lived at Shireoaks Hall in Nottinghamshire.
When Thomas was very young, about four years old, his father and grandfather passed away. This meant Thomas became the heir to his family's estate, including Shireoaks Hall. He had to wait until he was an adult to take full control of it.
During this time, he went to Shrewsbury School. Later, he studied at Christ Church, Oxford, starting in 1676. He spent about four years learning there.
After his studies, he became an officer in the Yeomen of the Guard for King Charles II. This was a special group of guards for the King. After serving for a while, he traveled around Europe for about five years. He visited countries like France, Holland, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy.
Marriage and Return Home
In 1689, while in Geneva, he married Frances Betenson. Her family was from Kent, England. After their marriage, Thomas and Frances returned to England. Thomas then took over managing his family's estates.
Letters written to Frances Hewett by Lady Mary Wortley Montagu between 1710 and 1717 still exist today.
His Work and Roles
Thomas Hewet became a skilled architect. He gained many important clients who hired him for projects. He built a library in Piccadilly for Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland. He also gave advice to Thomas Parker, 1st Earl of Macclesfield on fixing up Shirburn Castle in Oxfordshire.
He was appointed Surveyor-General of Woods in 1701 and again in 1714. This job involved overseeing the King's forests and parks. He also exchanged letters with the Duke of Newcastle between 1708 and 1711.
In 1719, he was knighted, which means he received the title "Sir." That same year, he was recommended for the job of Surveyor of the King's Works at the Tower of London. In 1721, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society.
Shireoaks Hall Estate
At his family home, Shireoaks Hall, Sir Thomas made many big changes and improvements. He updated the front of the house, added a new section, and created beautiful avenues and a water garden.
The work was not completely finished when he died in 1726. However, he left money in his will to make sure the improvements were completed. He wanted the work on the house and gardens to be finished exactly as he had planned.
Sir Thomas also stated in his will that if he died near Worksop, he wished to be buried in the church at Wales, Yorkshire. There is a monument there with details about his life.
His Legacy
Sir Thomas left Shireoaks Hall to his wife, Dame Frances, for her lifetime. She also received money each year. Trustees were in charge of making sure she kept the estate in good condition. This included keeping 200 deer in the park. If she did not follow these rules, she would lose her right to live there.
The estate was then to go to his godson, John Thornhaugh. Dame Frances lived much longer than Sir Thomas. She moved back to London, where she was born, and died in 1756 at 88 years old. As she wished, she was buried next to her husband in the church at Wales.
Images for kids
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Whitehall, the Prynce residence in Shrewsbury
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Shireoaks Hall, the Hewett residence near Worksop
