Thomas Lake facts for kids

Sir Thomas Lake (born 1567 – died 17 September 1630) was an important government official in England. He served as a Secretary of State for King James I. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP) for many years, from 1593 to 1626.

Thomas Lake was born in Southampton and was baptised on 11 October 1567. His father, Almeric Lake, worked in customs. Thomas had an older brother, Arthur Lake, who became a Bishop.

Thomas went to King Edward VI School, Southampton. He learned to speak Latin very well there. He later wished he had learned more French too.

Sir Thomas Lake's Career in Government

Thomas Lake was elected as an MP for different areas. He represented Malmesbury in 1593 and New Romney in 1601. Later, he was an MP for Launceston in 1604, Middlesex in 1614, and Wootton Bassett in 1626.

He became the personal secretary to Sir Francis Walsingham, who was also a Secretary of State. People called Lake 'Swiftsure' because he worked very quickly and accurately. Walsingham introduced Lake to Queen Elizabeth I. In 1600, the Queen made him a Clerk of the Signet. He was one of her favourites and would travel with her, reading Latin books aloud.

Working for King James I

After Queen Elizabeth I died, on 28 March 1603, Thomas Lake was sent to Scotland. He went with George Carew to tell James I about the situation in England. They also asked the King to come to England quickly. Lake was a favourite of King James. The King made him his Secretary of the Latin Tongue and Keeper of the Records. In 1603, King James also made him a knight.

Sir Thomas Lake worked as the King's travelling secretary, just as he had for Walsingham. His brother, Arthur, helped translate the King James Bible in 1604. Around this time, Lake was granted the Great Stanmore Manor in Middlesex. He also built a large brick house called Cannons at Little Stanmore.

In 1612, Lake had a moment he regretted. The King's daughter, Princess Elizabeth, was getting married to a German prince, Frederick V of the Palatinate. Lake was chosen to read the marriage contract, which was written in French. His French accent was not good, and his English translation was confusing. However, this did not stop his career.

On 29 March 1615, Lake became a member of the Privy Council. Then, on 3 January 1616, King James made him one of the two main royal secretaries. This meant he and Sir Ralph Winwood both served as Secretary of State.

Later Life and Family

Sir Thomas Lake did not return to his role as Secretary of State later on. However, he and the King became friends again, and he was allowed back at Court. In 1625, he was elected as an MP for Wells. In 1626, he became an MP for Wooton, a position he held until his death on 17 September 1630.

He left behind his wife, Mary. She was the daughter of Sir William Ryder, who was a Lord Mayor of London. Sir Thomas Lake also had three sons: Arthur (who died in 1633), Thomas (who died in 1653), and Lancelot (who died in 1680). He also had four daughters, including Lady Roos and Bridget. Bridget married Sir William Domville, who was the Attorney General for Ireland, in 1637.

Images for kids

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  The coat of arms for Sir Thomas Lake.