Thomas Street (judge) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Street (1625 – 8 March 1696) was an important English judge and politician. He became a Baron of the Exchequer in 1681. This was a high legal position. He also served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Worcester from 1659 to 1679.

In 1667, he became the Mayor of Worcester, just like his father before him. Later, in 1677, he was made the Chief Justice for parts of Wales.

Sir Thomas Street is best known for a brave decision he made in 1687. At that time, King James II was allowing Catholics to hold important military jobs, even though a law called the Test Act said they couldn't. This led to a big legal case. Sir Thomas was one of ten judges who had to decide if the King's actions were legal. He was the only judge who ruled against the King. This showed his strong belief in following the law. Because of this, his family motto became: Fideli Cum Fidelis, which means "Faithful Among the Faithless."

Who Was Sir Thomas Street?

Early Life and Family History

Sir Thomas Street was born in Worcester in 1625. His family had a long history of serving the city. His father, George Street, was also the Mayor of Worcester. His grandfather and great-grandfather were important figures in the city too.

When he was 16, Sir Thomas went to Lincoln College, Oxford in 1642. After his studies, he trained to become a lawyer. He joined the Inner Temple in 1646 and became a lawyer in 1653. He later had children with Lady Penelope Berkeley. He passed away in 1696 when he was 70 years old.

Sir Thomas Street's Political Career

Sir Thomas Street had a long and active career in politics and law. In 1659, he was first elected as a Member of Parliament for Worcester. He was re-elected several times, serving in Parliament until 1679.

As an MP, he was very involved. He worked on many committees and gave speeches. He also held other important legal roles. From 1667 to 1677, he was a judge in Wales. He became a Serjeant at law in 1677 and then a Chief Justice for parts of Wales until 1681.

In 1681, he was knighted, which means he was given the title "Sir." He then became a Baron of the Exchequer, a senior judge in the financial court. He also served as a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas from 1684 to 1689. Sir Thomas Street was buried in Worcester Cathedral after his death in 1696.

See also

• Street family