Thomas Higgons facts for kids

Sir Thomas Higgons (born around 1624, died 1691) was an important English diplomat and politician. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations, and a politician helps make laws for their country. Sir Thomas was a member of the House of Commons, which is a part of the English Parliament, for many years.

Sir Thomas Higgons' Life

Early Years and Education

Thomas Higgons was born around 1624. His father, also named Thomas Higgons, was a church leader in Westbury, Shropshire. His mother was Elizabeth Barker. Thomas Higgons went to St Alban Hall, Oxford when he was about 14 years old. Later, he studied law at Middle Temple.

Travels and Early Career

From about 1643 to 1646, Thomas Higgons traveled in Italy. He became very good at the Italian language. He even translated a story about Venice winning battles against the Ottoman Empire. After he got married, he lived in a place called Greywell, in Hampshire.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1659, Thomas Higgons was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Malmesbury. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the House of Commons, where laws are discussed and made.

He was elected again in 1661, this time for Windsor. This Parliament was known as the Cavalier Parliament. In the same year, he started working as a commissioner for taxes in Shropshire and Hampshire.

Knighthood and Diplomatic Roles

Thomas Higgons was made a knight on June 17, 1663, which means he was given the title "Sir." He continued to serve as a tax commissioner in different areas. From 1665, he also worked as a J.P. for Hampshire, helping to keep law and order.

In 1668, he became a special representative, or "envoy extraordinary," to Saxony. This meant he represented England there. From 1674 to 1679, he was the special envoy to Venice, continuing his important work as a diplomat.

Later Political Career and Death

In 1685, Sir Thomas Higgons was elected as an MP once more, this time for St Germans. He continued to work as a tax commissioner in Hampshire until 1690.

Sir Thomas Higgons passed away in 1691, at about 66 years old, from a sudden illness. He was buried in Winchester Cathedral.

Sir Thomas Higgons' Family

Sir Thomas Higgons was married twice.

First Marriage

Around 1647, he married Elizabeth, who was the Countess of Essex. She was the widow of Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex. Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir William Powlett. They had two daughters together. Elizabeth passed away in 1656.

Second Marriage

In 1661, Sir Thomas married Bridget Leach. She was the widow of Simon Leach and the daughter of Sir Bevil Grenville, a famous royalist leader. Sir Thomas and Bridget had three sons named George, Thomas, and Bevil, and three daughters. Bridget passed away in 1692.