Thomas Trahern facts for kids

Thomas Trahern (died 25 November 1542) was an English Somerset Herald. A herald was an important official who helped with royal ceremonies, messages, and coats of arms. His death in Scotland was a big problem for the relationship between England and Scotland. It might have been connected to a rebellion called the Pilgrimage of Grace.

Who Was Thomas Trahern?

Thomas Trahern became a Somerset Herald in 1536. This was a special job in the king's court. Heralds were like messengers and record-keepers for the king. They also helped organize important events.

Early Missions as a Herald

One of Trahern's first jobs was to talk to Thomas Darcy. Darcy was involved in a large protest called the Pilgrimage of Grace. This protest was against King Henry VIII's changes to the church. Trahern met Darcy in November 1536. He was with another herald named Henry Ray.

Trahern also attended the funeral of Queen Jane Seymour in 1537. This shows he was part of important royal events. In 1538, he was at a court hearing in York. This hearing dealt with Thomas Millar, another former herald. Millar had supported Robert Aske, who led the Pilgrimage of Grace protest.

Trahern's Death in Scotland

In November 1542, Trahern was sent on a trip to Scotland. He was sent by the Earl of Hertford to meet with James V of Scotland.

A Tragic Journey

On his way back to England, Trahern was killed near Dunbar in Scotland. This happened on November 25, 1542. He was traveling with Henry Ray and a Scottish herald. Ray said that three English people, who were involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace, were responsible.

However, King Henry VIII of England saw Trahern's death as a serious problem. He blamed King James V of Scotland for the incident. Trahern was buried in a church in Dunbar. A doctor was even sent to help his injured servant.

Aftermath of His Death

The people accused of killing Trahern were sent to London. They were punished for their actions. Some people at the time believed that the sadness from Trahern's death made King James V of Scotland very ill.

Thomas Trahern had his own special coat of arms. It showed a chevron and three black herons. This showed he was from a family in Glamorgan, Wales.