Thomas Poynings, 1st Baron Poynings facts for kids

Thomas Poynings, 1st Baron Poynings (born around 1512 – died 17 August 1545) was an English soldier and a member of the royal court. He served King Henry VIII during an important time in English history. He was known for his military skills and leadership.

Thomas Poynings' Family Background

Thomas Poynings was one of seven children born to Sir Edward Poynings. Sir Edward was an important figure from Westenhanger, a place in Kent, England. Thomas's mother might have been Rose Whethill. She was from Calais, a town in France that was controlled by England at the time. Rose Whethill received money from Sir Edward's will.

Thomas had two brothers, Edward and Adrian. He also had four sisters. One of his sisters, Jane (or Joan), married twice. Her first husband was Thomas Clinton, the 8th Baron Clinton. They had a son named Edward Clinton, 1st Earl of Lincoln. Edward later became a very important person, the Lord Admiral of England.

Thomas Poynings' Military Career

Thomas Poynings gained land in different parts of England, including Wiltshire, Cornwall, and Somerset. He also traded his family home, Westenhanger, for land that used to belong to a monastery in Dorset, including Bindon Abbey.

In the 1540s, Thomas Poynings worked for King Henry VIII. He was the Marshal of Calais, which meant he was a high-ranking military officer in charge of Calais. He also looked after the castle at Guînes.

Thomas played a big part in England's invasion of France in 1544. He was especially involved in the battles at Montreuil and the sieges of Boulogne. These were important military actions during the war.

On January 30, 1545, King Henry VIII gave Thomas Poynings a special title. He became Baron Poynings, which made him a noble. He was also put in charge of Boulogne as its Lieutenant. Sadly, Thomas Poynings died from a sickness called dysentery in Boulogne on August 17, 1545.

Marriage and Children

Thomas Poynings married Katherine Marney. Katherine was the daughter of John Marney, 2nd Baron Marney. She had been married before to George Radcliffe. Thomas and Katherine had one son, who was born in March 1539. However, their son passed away when he was a baby.