Thomas Vaughan (died 1483) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Vaughan (born around 1410 – died June 25, 1483) was an important person from Wales. He was a statesman, which means he helped run the country, and a diplomat, meaning he represented his country to others. He became well-known during a time of civil war in England called the Wars of the Roses.

At first, he supported King Henry VI of England and his family, the Lancasters. But deep down, Sir Thomas was more on the side of the Yorkist family, like many people in Wales back then. After the Yorkists won in 1461, he became a very loyal and key helper to King Edward IV. Sadly, in 1483, he was put to death by Richard III when Richard took the throne.

About Sir Thomas Vaughan

Sir Thomas Vaughan was the son of Robert and Margaret Vaughan. They lived in a place called Monmouth in Wales. He started his career by getting important jobs in different areas.

Early Life and Career

In 1446, Sir Thomas was given several important roles. He became a Steward, which meant he managed land and money. He was also a Receiver, collecting payments. He even became Master of the Game, looking after hunting areas in Herefordshire and Ewyas. He also held similar jobs in Abergavenny.

By 1450, he was made the Master of the Ordnance. This job meant he was in charge of weapons and military supplies. In 1455, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Marlborough. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

Even though he had worked with Jasper Tudor, a supporter of King Henry VI, Sir Thomas was once accused of plotting against the king. But he somehow managed to get back into the king's good graces. In 1460, he was put in charge of the King's "great Wardrobe." This was a big department that managed the king's clothes, jewels, and other valuable items.

Working for King Edward IV

After King Henry VI lost a big battle in 1461, Sir Thomas Vaughan tried to escape to Ireland with the king's money. But he was captured by French pirates! Surprisingly, King Edward IV, who was now in power, paid a ransom to free Sir Thomas. Because of this, Sir Thomas was always loyal to Edward IV. King Edward trusted him a lot and gave him many important jobs.

In 1464, Sir Thomas became the Sheriff for the areas of Surrey and Sussex. A sheriff was a top law enforcement officer in a county. In 1465, Edward IV made him the Treasurer of the King's Chamber. This meant he managed the king's personal money. He also became the Master of the King's Jewels, looking after all the royal treasures.

King Edward also sent Sir Thomas to other countries as an ambassador. He traveled to the courts of Burgundy and France. He played a key role in arranging the marriage of Edward's sister, Margaret, to the Duke of Burgundy in 1468. This was a very important alliance for England.

In 1475, Sir Thomas was given a special honor. He was made a knight, which meant he could now be called "Sir." This happened on the same day that Edward's oldest son, who would later become King Edward V, was named Prince of Wales. For several years, Sir Thomas had been the young prince's Chamberlain. This meant he was a trusted advisor and manager of the prince's household.

In 1478, he was again elected to Parliament. This time, he represented Cornwall.

A Tragic End

After King Edward IV passed away in 1483, Sir Thomas Vaughan was traveling with the young King Edward V. They were going from Ludlow to London. But their group was stopped by Edward IV's brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Richard later became King Richard III.

Richard had Sir Thomas Vaughan arrested. He also arrested Anthony Woodville, 2nd Earl Rivers, who was the young king's tutor, and Sir Richard Grey, the king's half-brother. All three men were taken to Pontefract Castle in West Yorkshire. On June 25, 1483, they were all put to death.

Sir Thomas Vaughan was married to Eleanor Arundel. She had been married before to Sir Thomas Browne.

Sir Thomas Vaughan is even mentioned in one of Shakespeare's famous plays, Richard III. In the play, his ghost appears to King Richard on the night before a big battle.