Thomas Parry (Comptroller of the Household) facts for kids
Sir Thomas Parry (born around 1515 – died December 15, 1560) was a very important person in the court of Queen Elizabeth I. He served as the Comptroller of the Household, which meant he was in charge of managing the Queen's home and finances.
When Queen Elizabeth I became queen in 1558, she made him a knight. Sir Thomas Parry held many important jobs. He was a royal steward, a Cofferer of the Household (who managed money), a close advisor on the Privy Council, and the Master of the Court of Wards and Liveries. He also served as a Member of Parliament for different areas like Wallingford and Hertfordshire. Later, he became the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire.
Sir Thomas Parry's Life and Work
Sir Thomas Parry's father was Henry Vaughan from Tretower Court in Wales. His grandfather, Sir Thomas Vaughan, was a knight.
Sir Thomas Parry was a friend and relative of William Cecil, who was another very important person in the government. This friendship likely helped Sir Thomas get his start at the royal court during the time of King Edward VI. At first, he was known as Thomas ap Harry, which meant "Thomas, son of Harry." Later, his name changed to Thomas Parry.
He first started working for Thomas Cromwell in 1536. He helped with various tasks, including changes related to church properties during that time.
Later, he was one of the trusted people who stayed with Princess Elizabeth when her sister, Queen Mary, kept her at Hatfield House. Elizabeth remembered his loyalty and service. When she became Queen in 1558, she quickly made him a knight and a member of her Privy Council. The next year, he bought land in Berkshire, especially around Hamstead Marshall.
Sir Thomas Parry died on December 15, 1560, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Sir Thomas Parry's Family Life
Sir Thomas Parry married a woman named Anne. She was the daughter of Sir William Reade and had been married twice before. With Anne, Sir Thomas had two sons and two daughters.
One of his daughters married Thomas Knyvett, 4th Baron Berners, and they had children. Another daughter married Edmund, who was the son of Sir Robert Bell.
Sir Thomas Parry's oldest son was also named Sir Thomas Parry. This younger Sir Thomas became an ambassador to Paris, a Sheriff, and a MP for Berkshire and St Albans.
Lady Parry, Sir Thomas's wife, was one of the ladies who served the Queen closely. She later moved to Welford Park and is buried there under a beautiful monument in the nearby church.
