Thomas Tomkins (MP) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Tomkins (born around 1605, died 31 December 1674) was an English politician. He was a Justice of the Peace, which meant he helped keep law and order in his local area. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of the government, at different times between 1640 and 1674. During the English Civil War, he supported the King's side, known as the Royalists.

Early Life of Thomas Tomkins

Thomas Tomkins was born into a family that had lived in Herefordshire, England, for a long time. His family, the Tomkins, were gentry, meaning they were from a good social class, but they weren't super famous until the time of the Tudors. Thomas was the fifth son of Anne (née Boyle) Tomkins and James Tomkins. His father, James, was the first in their family to become a Member of Parliament (MP).

Political Career Highlights

Thomas Tomkins became a Member of Parliament (MP) for a place called Weobley. He was first elected in April 1640 for a short time, in what was known as the Short Parliament. Later that same year, in November 1640, he was elected again for the Long Parliament.

During the English Civil War, Thomas Tomkins was a strong supporter of King Charles I. Because he supported the King, he was removed from Parliament on 22 January 1644.

After his older brother, William, passed away in 1640, Thomas inherited the family's lands, including Garnstone Manor in Weobley. In 1663, he was given the title of Knight, becoming "Sir Thomas Tomkins."

He returned to Parliament in August 1660, being elected MP for Weobley again for the Convention Parliament. He was re-elected in 1661 for the Cavalier Parliament and continued to serve as an MP until he died in 1674.

Family Life

On 22 September 1633, Thomas Tomkins married Mary Pye. She was the daughter of Sir Walter Pye. Thomas and Mary had one son, who sadly died young, and three daughters. One of their daughters was Anne Tomkins.

• Anne Tomkins married her cousin, Roger Vaughan, in 1657. Roger Vaughan was also an MP for Hereford. When Anne married Roger, Garnstone Manor became part of her dowry, meaning it was given to Roger Vaughan.

After Mary, his first wife, passed away, Thomas Tomkins married Lucy Uvedale on 21 February 1648. Lucy was the daughter of Sir William Uvedale and had been married before to Thomas Neale. From her first marriage, Lucy was the mother of Thomas Neale, who also became an MP for a long time. Thomas and Lucy Tomkins had one son together:

• Uvedale Tomkins (1649–1692), who married Mary Capell.

Sir Thomas Tomkins passed away on 31 December 1674.