Thomas Waite (regicide) facts for kids

Thomas Waite (died 1688 in Jersey), also known as Thomas Wayte, was an English soldier and politician. He fought for the Parliament's side during the English Civil War. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Rutland and was one of the people who signed the document that led to the execution of King Charles I. People who signed this document are sometimes called "regicides."

Waite was likely the son of Henry Waite from Wymondham, Leicestershire. However, some people who supported the King said he was the son of an alehouse owner in Market Overton in Rutland.

Early Life and Military Career

Waite began studying law at Gray's Inn in 1634. In 1641, he became the Sheriff of Rutland, which was an important local role. When the English Civil War began, he joined the Parliament's army. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a colonel. He also gained a seat in the Long Parliament, which was the main governing body at the time.

In 1643, Colonel Waite led an attack on the King's forces near Burley House. After this success, he likely became the governor of Burley-on-the-Hill in Rutland.

Key Victories and Reports

In 1648, Waite reported to Parliament about his actions against a group of people who had started a rebellion at Stamford, Lincolnshire. He stated that his forces had defeated the rebels at Woodcroft Castle. The leader of these forces, Dr. Michael Hudson, was defeated, and many rebels were captured. However, Waite allowed the local farmers to go home. Parliament thanked him for his actions and gave him permission to deal with the captured rebels. Soon after, he also reported the defeat and capture of the Duke of Hamilton, another important victory for Parliament.

Role in the King's Trial

Thomas Waite was one of the important military leaders, sometimes called "army-grandees." He was chosen as one of the 59 Commissioners who oversaw the trial of King Charles I. This trial took place in January 1649.

Waite attended the trial on January 25, 26, and 27, 1649. The first two days were held in the Painted Chamber, and the final day, when the King's sentence was announced, was in Westminster Hall. Waite signed the official document that ordered King Charles I to be executed.

After the Civil War

After King Charles I was executed, Thomas Waite's importance seemed to lessen. When Oliver Cromwell became Lord Protector, Waite was not as involved in government. In 1650, he took control of some lands in Rutland that had belonged to the Duke of Buckingham.

However, in 1654, some of his tenants in Hambleton, Rutland complained to the government. They said Waite was making them pay double their rent, changing their water supply, and trying to remove many families from their homes.

Later Life and Imprisonment

When the monarchy was restored in 1660, Thomas Waite was not given a general pardon for his actions against the King. He turned himself in and appeared in court on October 10, 1660. During his trial, he was found guilty of being involved in the King's execution.

However, his sentence was changed to life imprisonment. The court believed that Oliver Cromwell and Henry Ireton had pressured Waite into agreeing to the King's execution. Some even said Cromwell had guided Waite's hand when he signed the death warrant.

Waite's wife, Jane, tried to get him released for the sake of their five children, but her efforts were not successful. Thomas Waite was imprisoned in Mont Orgueil Castle on the island of Jersey. He remained there until his death. He was buried at Saint Saviour, Jersey on October 18, 1688.