Thomas Moryson facts for kids

Thomas Moryson or Morrison (died 19 February 1592) was an important English politician in the 1500s. He lived in Cadeby, Lincolnshire. Thomas Moryson served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Grimsby from 1572 to 1589. An MP is a person chosen to represent a group of people in the country's main law-making body, like a modern-day elected representative.

Early Life and Public Service

Thomas Moryson was the son of George Moryson, who lived in Waltham, Lincolnshire. Thomas began his public service career early.

Commissioner for Sewers

In 1555, Thomas Moryson became a Commissioner for Sewers. This job involved managing the drainage systems and waterways in several areas, including Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, the Isle of Ely, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, and Nottinghamshire. It was an important role for preventing floods and keeping land usable for farming.

Land and Justice

In 1559, he received a special agreement from the Crown (the Queen or King) to use lands near Grimsby for 21 years. This was called a Crown lease. Two years later, in 1561, he bought the manor of Beesby, Lincolnshire. A manor was a large estate with land and buildings. By 1564, he was made a Justice of the Peace for Lindsey. A Justice of the Peace was a local official who helped keep law and order.

Work at the Exchequer

By 1569, Thomas Moryson was working as a Deputy Clerk at the Exchequer. The Exchequer was like the government's finance department, handling money and accounts. He worked under Christopher Smith, who was the main Clerk of the Pipe. The Clerk of the Pipe was a key role in managing government records and debts.

Political Career

Thomas Moryson's political career really took off when he became an MP.

Representing Grimsby

In 1572, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Grimsby. This meant he represented the people of Grimsby in the English Parliament. He continued to serve Grimsby in Parliament until 1589.

Mayor of Grimsby

In 1576, Thomas Moryson also became the Mayor of Great Grimsby. The mayor is the head of a town or city's local government. This shows he was a respected figure in his community.

Clerk of the Pipe

By January 1579, he had been promoted to the main role of Clerk of the Pipe. This was a significant position within the government's financial system. In 1584, a very important person, Lord Burghley, suggested him to become a Bencher of Gray's Inn. Gray's Inn was one of the main places where lawyers were trained in London.

Family Life

In 1559, Thomas Moryson married Elizabeth, who was the daughter of Thomas Moigne from Willingham, Lindsey, Lincolnshire.

They had seven children together: two daughters and five sons. Two of their sons became well-known:

• Richard Moryson became a soldier and also served as an MP.
• Fynes Moryson became a famous writer and historian, known for his detailed accounts of his travels across Europe.

See also

• Morrison baronets