Thomas Somerset facts for kids
Thomas Somerset (born by 1529, died 6 April 1586) was an English Roman Catholic man. He was held in prison for long periods by Queen Elizabeth I.
Early Life and Career
Thomas Somerset was the second son of Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester. His father was a powerful nobleman.
He worked for Bishop Stephen Gardiner. Later, Thomas Somerset became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Monmouthshire. He served as an MP in 1553 and again in 1554.
Imprisonment and Later Life
In 1562, Thomas Somerset was sent to the Fleet Prison. He was accused of translating a speech from French. This speech was made by a French Cardinal. He also printed the translation without official permission.
The Queen's top advisors called him to Greenwich. They wanted him to apologize for his actions. But Thomas Somerset tried to explain why he did it. Because he did not apologize, he was sent back to the Fleet Prison. He stayed there until he changed his mind.
He remained in prison for almost twenty years. In 1581, he was finally released on bail. This allowed him to deal with legal matters in Monmouthshire. By May 1582, he was too ill to travel. He was allowed to stay free until he recovered.
By October 1585, he was suspected of helping Mary, Queen of Scots. He was then sent to the Tower of London. He was accused of plotting against the Queen. Thomas Somerset owned land in Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire. He had to pay for his own time in prison. He died in the Tower of London on 6 April 1586.
