Thomas Scales, 7th Baron Scales facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Scales
Baron Scales
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Arms of Sir Thomas Scales, 7th Baron Scales
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| Born | 9 October 1399 Middleton, Norfolk, England
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| Died | 20 July 1460 (aged 60) |
| Cause of death | Murder |
| Occupation | Soldier, administrator |
| Known for | Military service during the Hundred Years' War |
| Office | Seneschal of Normandy |
| Children | Elizabeth, 8th Baroness Scales |
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| Relatives | Robert, 6th Lord Scales (brother) |
Thomas Scales, the 7th Baron Scales, was an important English noble and a skilled military leader. He was born on October 9, 1399, and passed away on July 20, 1460. Thomas played a big part in the final years of the Hundred Years' War, a long conflict between England and France.
He became a baron after his older brother, Robert, the 6th Lord Scales, died. Thomas was known for his bravery and leadership in battles, especially in France. He also helped deal with problems at home, like the uprising led by Jack Cade. Because of his service, he received rewards, including money and the right to use a large ship for trade. He was also a member of the English Parliament for many years.
Thomas Scales was a very wealthy and powerful person. Even famous writer Shakespeare mentioned his family's wealth in one of his plays, Henry VI, Part 3.
Early Life and Family Connections
Thomas Scales was born on October 9, 1399, in a place called Middleton, Norfolk. He was the second son of Robert de Scales, 5th Baron Scales and Elizabeth Bardolf. His father was the 5th Baron Scales.
Thomas inherited the title of Baron Scales when his brother, Robert, passed away in 1419. This made Thomas the 7th Baron Scales.
A Leader in War
Thomas Scales was a key military commander for England. In 1422, he traveled to Normandy, a region in France, to serve as a lieutenant. This meant he was a high-ranking officer under John, Duke of Bedford.
By 1423, Thomas was in charge of the fortress at Verneuil. He fought alongside another famous English knight, John Fastolf, to take back a fortress in Maine between 1424 and 1425. In 1429, he was captured during the Battle of Patay but was later set free after a ransom was paid.
Thomas Scales led a large group of soldiers, including archers and infantry. In 1439, he helped build a fort called Granville to block access to Mont-Saint-Michel, a French stronghold. However, the French later captured Granville in 1442.
During the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars in England, Thomas Scales supported the House of Lancaster. He is even mentioned in Shakespeare's play Henry VI, Part 2. Thomas was killed on July 20, 1460, while he was in charge of the Tower of London. He had used the Tower's weapons against the city, which was supporting the other side in the war.
Family Life
Thomas Scales married Ismayne Whalesburgh in Paris in November 1424. They had two children together. Sadly, their son, Thomas Scales, died when he was very young. Their daughter, Elizabeth, later became the 8th Baroness Scales. She married two times during her life.
Coat of Arms
The family's coat of arms, a special symbol for their family, was red with six silver scallop shells.
