Thomas Soame facts for kids

Sir Thomas Soame (1584 – 1 January 1671) was an English politician who served in the House of Commons, England's main law-making group, from 1640 to 1648. He came from a well-known family and played a part in the government of London.

Early Life and Family Connections

Thomas Soame was born in 1584 and was the son of Sir Stephen Soame, who had been the Lord Mayor of London. His mother was Anne Stone. Thomas was baptised in London on 4 February 1584. Being part of such a prominent family meant he grew up connected to important people in the city.

Serving London: Alderman and Sheriff

Sir Thomas Soame held several important jobs in London. From 1635 to 1639, he was an Alderman for the Farringdon Without area. An Alderman was a senior member of the city's council, helping to run the city. In 1635, he also became a Sheriff of London. Sheriffs were important officials who helped keep law and order and managed elections in the city.

He was also involved in trade, working as a Merchant Commissioner for the East India Company from 1640 to 1643. This company was very powerful and traded goods from far-off places like India.

Time in Parliament: A Challenging Role

In April 1640, Thomas Soame was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for the City of London in what was called the Short Parliament. This was a difficult time in England, as there were many disagreements between King Charles I and Parliament.

Imprisonment for Refusing the King

In May 1640, Sir Thomas Soame and three other Aldermen were sent to the Tower of London. This happened because they refused to make a list of people in their areas who could lend £50 or more to King Charles. This shows how bravely they stood up for what they believed was right, even against the King.

Return to Parliament and Knighthood

After his release, he was re-elected as an MP for the City of London in November 1640 for the Long Parliament. This Parliament lasted much longer and was very important in English history. He was made a knight by the King at Hampton Court on 3 December 1641, becoming "Sir Thomas Soame."

He continued to serve in Parliament until 1648. At that time, he was removed from Parliament during an event called Pride's Purge. This was when some members of Parliament were forced out by the army because they did not agree with the army's views.

Later City Roles

After being removed from Parliament, he continued to be involved in London's government. He became an Alderman for the Vintry area in 1644 and later for the Cheap area. He was temporarily removed from this role in 1649 but was brought back as an Alderman in 1660. He held this position until 1667, when he retired due to his "great infirmity," meaning he was very unwell.

Life in Throcking and Legacy

Sir Thomas Soame lived in a place called Throcking. In 1660, he helped rebuild the top part of the local church tower there. He passed away in 1671 and was buried in Throcking Church, where there is an inscription remembering him.

Family Life

In 1621, Sir Thomas Soame married Joan Freeman. His daughter, Anne, later married Sir Thomas Abdy, 1st Baronet.]