Thomas Rush facts for kids
Sir Thomas Rush (sometimes called Russhe) was an important English official who lived from around 1487 to June 1537. He was born in Sudbourne, a place in Suffolk, England. Sir Thomas worked for two famous kings of England: King Henry VII and his son, King Henry VIII.
He was a special kind of officer called a serjeant-at-arms. These officers were like royal bodyguards and messengers. King Henry VIII made him a knight in 1533 during the special ceremony when Anne Boleyn became queen. That same year, Sir Thomas was also given another big job: he became the High Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk. This meant he was in charge of law and order in those areas.
Sir Thomas Rush's Career in Royal Service
Sir Thomas Rush was a key figure in the town of Ipswich. He served both King Henry VII and King Henry VIII. He was also a friend of Cardinal Wolsey, who was King Henry VIII's most important advisor, known as the Lord Chancellor. Even after Cardinal Wolsey lost his power, Sir Thomas managed to stay in favor with the King. He then worked closely with Wolsey's replacement, Thomas Cromwell.
As one of the King's serjeants-at-arms, Sir Thomas was part of a group that later became known as the Yeomen of the Guard. You might know them as the "Beefeaters" who guard the Tower of London today! During Queen Anne Boleyn's coronation, Sir Thomas was honored as a "Knight of the Bath". This was a special title given to knights as part of important royal events.
Sir Thomas Rush's Family Life
Sir Thomas Rush married Anne Rivers. She was the daughter of John Rivers from Ipswich. Anne had been married before, to Thomas Alvard. Sir Thomas and Anne had six children together: Arthur, Thomas, Leonard, Anthony, John, and a daughter whose name isn't known. Later, Sir Thomas married another woman named Christian, but they did not have any more children.
Sir Thomas Rush's Lasting Impact
Sir Thomas Rush was buried in St. Stephen's Church in Ipswich. This building is no longer used as a church today.
Many people think that Sir Thomas's most famous family member was Dr. Benjamin Rush. Dr. Benjamin Rush was a very important person in American history. He signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776. Dr. Rush was indeed a descendant of Sir Thomas, through Sir Thomas's son, who was also named Thomas.
