Thomas Knyvett, 4th Baron Berners facts for kids
Thomas Knyvett (also spelled Knyvet) was an important person in England during the late 1500s and early 1600s. He was born in 1539 and passed away around 1616. He held the title of the 4th Baron Berners, though he didn't officially claim it until later in his life. From 1579, he served as the High Sheriff of Norfolk, which was a key local government role.
Thomas Knyvett was the first son of John Knyvett and Agnes Harcourt. His family came from a place called Ashwellthorpe in Norfolk, England. He married Muriel Parry. Her father, Sir Thomas Parry, worked for Queen Elizabeth I as her Comptroller of the Household. This meant he managed the royal household's expenses and staff.
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Becoming a Baron and Sheriff
Thomas Knyvett received the Ashwellthorpe family lands from his grandmother, Jane Knyvett. She was the 3rd Baroness Berners. When she died in 1561 or 1562, Thomas also gained the right to the title of Baron Berners.
In 1578, he was made a knight. This was a special honor given by the Queen. The next year, in 1579, he became the Lord High Sheriff of Norfolk. This job involved keeping law and order in the county.
Thomas Knyvett didn't officially claim his title as Baron Berners until 1616. The Earl Marshal, a high-ranking official, confirmed his right to the title. However, Thomas died soon after this, before the new king, King James I, could formally approve it. He was buried in Ashwellthorpe on February 9, 1617.
Thomas Knyvett's Children
Thomas Knyvett had several children. His daughters went on to have their own interesting lives.
Katherine Knyvett, Lady Paston
One of his daughters was named Katherine Knyvett. She married a man named Edmund Paston. Katherine was known for being one of the writers of the famous Paston Letters. These letters are a collection of real letters written by the Paston family in the 15th and 16th centuries. They give us a great look into what life was like in England back then.
Abigail Knyvett
Another daughter, Abigail Knyvett, married Sir Edmund Moundeford. He was from Mundford and Hockwold in Norfolk. This was Sir Edmund's second marriage. From his first marriage, he had a son also named Sir Edmund Moundeford. This younger Sir Edmund later left a large part of his inheritance to his half-sister, Elizabeth. Elizabeth was Abigail's daughter and Thomas Knyvett's granddaughter.
