Thomas Stanhope facts for kids

Sir Thomas Stanhope (born in 1540, died on August 3, 1596) was an important English gentleman. He was the son of Sir Michael Stanhope. Thomas also served as a Member of Parliament, representing the area of Nottinghamshire.

Family Life

Thomas Stanhope was the oldest son of Sir Michael Stanhope and Anne Rawson. His mother, Anne, was born around 1515 and passed away on February 20, 1588. Her parents were Nicholas Rawson and Beatrix Cooke.

Thomas had six brothers and four sisters. Their names are listed on his mother's monument in Shelford church:

• Sir Edward Stanhope (around 1543–1603) was part of Queen Elizabeth's special group called the Council of the North. He married Susan Coleshill.
• John Stanhope, 1st Baron Stanhope became a very important person in the royal household. He was given the title Baron Stanhope of Harrington by King James.
• Edward Stanhope (around 1546–1608) was a Doctor of Civil Law. He also worked as a Master in the Court of Chancery, which was a high court.
• Sir Michael Stanhope lived in Sudbourne near Woodbridge, Suffolk. He was one of Queen Elizabeth's Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber. King James knighted him in 1603. He married Elizabeth Read.
• William Stanhope, who died when he was a baby.
• Edward Stanhope, who also died when he was a baby.
• Eleanor Stanhope, who married Thomas Cooper.
• Juliana Stanhope, who married John Hotham.
• Jane Stanhope, who married Sir Roger Townshend first, and then Henry Berkeley.
• Margaret Stanhope, who died when she was a baby.

His Career and Public Service

Thomas Stanhope was only twelve years old when his father passed away in 1552. He lived at Shelford Priory in Nottinghamshire.

He held several important positions:

• In 1562, he became the Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. A sheriff was a top law enforcement officer in a county.
• He was also the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire again in 1574 and 1587.
• In 1586 and 1593, he was chosen to be a knight of the shire (which means a Member of Parliament) for Nottinghamshire.
• He was given the title of "Sir" when he was knighted in 1575.

Sir Thomas Stanhope passed away in 1596. He had spent a lot of money rebuilding Shelford Priory, which caused him to be in debt.

Marriage and Children

Sir Thomas Stanhope married Margaret Port. She was the daughter of Sir John Port and Elizabeth Gifford.

They had three children:

• Sir John Stanhope (1559-1611), who married Cordell Alington first, and then Catherine Trentham.
• Edward Stanhope.
• Anne Stanhope (1576–1651), who married John Holles, 1st Earl of Clare.