Thomas Leighton (governor) facts for kids
Sir Thomas Leighton was an English soldier and a person involved in politics. He lived from about 1530 to 1610. He was in charge of the islands of Guernsey and Jersey for many years. He served as their Governor from 1570 to 1609.
Life of Sir Thomas Leighton
Queen Elizabeth I gave Sir Thomas a special honor in 1579. She made him a 'Sir' (knighted him). He was born in Feckenham, Worcestershire, England. His father was John Leighton, and his mother was Joyce Sutton.
His family, the Leightons, was very powerful in their home area, Shropshire. His brother, Sir Edward Leighton (died 1593), was a leading figure in the local government there.
Governor of the Islands
As governor, many people didn't like Sir Thomas. He worked to make Castle Cornet stronger. This was important to protect the islands. However, to pay for these defenses, he made the islanders pay high taxes. This made them unhappy.
In 1588, he was sent to France to talk with King Henry III of France. Later that year, he helped prepare England's defenses. This was when the Spanish Armada was threatening to invade. He served at the camp in Tilbury. For some years, starting in 1595, he had Thomas Cartwright as his chaplain.
Sir Thomas Leighton was also a Member of Parliament for Worcestershire in 1601. He passed away in Guernsey.
Sir Thomas Leighton's Family
Sir Thomas Leighton married Elizabeth Knollys in 1578. Elizabeth was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth I. They had two daughters named Elizabeth and Anne.
Their daughter Anne married Sir John St. John, 1st Baronet. Sir Thomas and Elizabeth also had one son, who was also named Thomas Leighton. This younger Thomas was born in 1584. He married Mary, the daughter of Edward la Zouche, 11th Baron Zouche. Their other daughter, Elizabeth, married Sherrington Talbot.
