Thomas Molyneux (statesman) facts for kids
Thomas Molyneux (1531–1597) was an important government official from France who worked in England and then in Ireland during the time of Elizabeth I. He started a family line that included many famous people. His family later became the Molyneux baronets of Castle Dillon in County Armagh.
Life of Thomas Molyneux
Thomas Molyneux was born in Calais, which was an English town in France. French forces took control of Calais in 1558. Thomas's parents died when he was very young. He was raised by John Biskin, a local leader in Calais.
When the French took Calais, Thomas was captured. He was set free after a large payment of 500 crowns was made. This suggests he had wealthy relatives who helped him.
He then moved to Bruges, a city in what is now Belgium. There, he married Catherine Stabeort. Her father, Lodowick Stabeort, was a rich leader in Bruges. In 1568, life became difficult for foreigners in Bruges because of a war called the Dutch Revolt. So, Thomas moved his family to England.
In England, Queen Elizabeth I liked him and helped him. In 1576, he moved to Ireland. He was given land in Swords, County Dublin. This area was home to many people who had fled from the Low Countries. Thomas was also supported by Adam Loftus, who was the Archbishop of Dublin.
Thomas got important jobs in Ireland. He was the main person in charge of providing food and supplies for the Irish Army. He also collected taxes on imported wine. In 1590, he became the Chancellor of the Exchequer of Ireland. This was a very important job managing the government's money. He also gave a large sum of £40 to help start Trinity College, Dublin in 1592.
In 1594, some people questioned if he should hold public office. Because he was born in France and lived in Bruges, some thought he might be a Roman Catholic. At that time, people had to be Protestant to hold important jobs for the English Crown. Thomas had to prove he was a "true Christian" (meaning a Protestant) and loyal to the Queen. He successfully showed that he was fit for his jobs.
Thomas Molyneux died in early 1597. He was buried in Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin. His wife died the next year.
Family and Descendants
Thomas and Catherine had two sons and two daughters. Their older son, Samuel, was in charge of the Queen's building projects in Ireland. He was also a member of the Irish House of Commons for Mallow.
Their younger son, Daniel (1568-1632), became an important official called the Ulster King at Arms. He also served in the Irish House of Commons for Strabane.
Their daughter Catherine married Sir Robert Newcomen. They had a large family. Through Daniel, Thomas Molyneux had many famous descendants, including:
