Thomas Somerset, 1st Viscount Somerset facts for kids
Thomas Somerset, 1st Viscount Somerset (1579–1651) was an English politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, between 1601 and 1611. Later, in 1626, he was given the title of Viscount Somerset in Ireland.
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Who Was Thomas Somerset?
Thomas Somerset was born in 1579. He was the third son of Edward Somerset, 4th Earl of Worcester. His family was important in England.
Early Life and Family
Thomas Somerset came from a noble family. His father, Edward Somerset, was the 4th Earl of Worcester. Being the third son meant he might not inherit his father's main titles, so he pursued a career in politics and at court.
Political Career
In 1601, Thomas Somerset was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for an area called Monmouthshire. This meant he represented the people of Monmouthshire in the English Parliament.
Becoming a Lawyer
He also became a member of Gray's Inn on August 7, 1604. Gray's Inn was a place where people studied to become lawyers. In the same year, 1604, he was re-elected as a Member of Parliament for Monmouthshire and continued to serve until 1611.
Life at Court
Thomas Somerset played a role in important royal events.
Royal Messenger
In 1603, he was sent to Scotland with Charles Percy by the Privy Council. The Privy Council was a group of advisors to the King or Queen. Their job was to tell King James VI of Scotland that Queen Elizabeth I had died. This meant King James would become King of England too.
Master of Horse
In 1603, Thomas Somerset was given a special job: Master of Horse to Queen Anne of Denmark. The Master of Horse was in charge of the Queen's horses, stables, and travel arrangements. Interestingly, his own father was also Master of Horse, but for King James.
Court Disagreements
In June 1603, Thomas Somerset had a disagreement with a Scottish courtier named William Murray of Abercairny about his new role. Later, in November 1604, he had another disagreement with a Scottish aristocrat, John Stewart, Master of Orkney, at Whitehall Palace. This happened after they had been with the Queen. Stewart was told to stay in his room, but Somerset was sent to the Fleet Prison for a short time.
Royal Events
On January 1, 1604, he danced at Hampton Court in a special show called The Masque of Indian and China Knights. He was also knighted as a Knight of Bath on January 5, 1605. In January 1610, he took part in a tournament for Prince Henry, called Prince Henry's Barriers.
Later Life and Family
In December 1626, Thomas Somerset was given the title of Viscount Somerset of Cashel in Ireland. This was a high honor.
Marriage and Death
In 1616, Somerset married Eleanor (also known as Helena) de Barry. She was the daughter of David de Barry, 5th Viscount Buttevant. Eleanor had been married before to Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond, who passed away in 1614.
Thomas Somerset died in 1651. Since he had no children to inherit his title, the title of Viscount Somerset became extinct, meaning it no longer existed.
