Thomas Paget, 3rd Baron Paget facts for kids
Thomas Paget, born around 1544, was an important English nobleman. He was the second son of William Paget, 1st Baron Paget. When his older brother, Henry Paget, 2nd Baron Paget, passed away in 1568, Thomas became the 3rd Baron Paget. This meant he held a special title and had a place in the English Parliament.
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About Thomas Paget's Family
Thomas Paget was born about 1544. His father was William Paget, 1st Baron Paget, and his mother was Anne Preston. Thomas had three brothers: Henry, Charles, and Edward, who died young.
He also had six sisters:
- Etheldreda, who married Sir Christopher Allen.
- Eleanor, who married Jerome Palmer and later Sir Rowland Clarke.
- Grisold, who married Sir Thomas Rivett and later Sir William Waldegrave.
- Joan (or Jane), who married Thomas Kitson.
- Dorothy, who married Sir Thomas Willoughby.
- Anne, who married Sir Henry Lee.
His Life and Career
Thomas Paget began his studies at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge in 1559. Later, in 1561, he joined the Middle Temple, which was a place for studying law.
In 1568, he became the 3rd Baron Paget after his older brother Henry died. He was officially called to join the Parliament in 1571.
Thomas Paget married Nazareth Newton, who was a wealthy widow and had worked for the Queen. However, their marriage was not a happy one, and they separated by 1582.
Involvement in Political Events
Thomas Paget and his brother Charles were both strong followers of the Catholic faith. This was a challenge because Queen Elizabeth I was Protestant, and she expected everyone to follow the Protestant religion.
In November 1583, a plan known as the Throckmorton Plot was discovered. This plan aimed to have French forces invade England. The goal was to remove Queen Elizabeth I from power and place the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots on the English throne.
When this plot was uncovered, Thomas Paget quickly left England and went to Paris. His brother Charles was already living there in exile. Queen Elizabeth I then ordered Thomas Paget to return to England, but he did not. In 1584, England formally asked the King of France to send Paget back, but this request was not granted.
While in Paris in 1586, Thomas and his brother Charles became involved in another plan called the Babington plot. This plot also aimed to remove Queen Elizabeth and put Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne. Another Catholic exile, Lewes Lewkenor, reported on their activities. He mentioned that Thomas Paget was accused of working against the Queen and sharing secrets. Because of these accusations, he was even imprisoned in Paris for a time.
Loss of Titles and Later Life
In 1587, Thomas Paget and his brother were declared traitors by an act of Parliament. This meant that Thomas Paget lost his noble titles and honors. All of their properties were taken by the Crown, which means they became the property of the Queen.
Thomas Paget received some money from Philip II of Spain and lived in Brussels. He passed away in early 1590.
After Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603, her successor, King James I (who was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots), restored the Paget family's lands and honors. These were given back to Thomas Paget's son, William Paget, 4th Baron Paget, who was a Protestant.
