Thomas Wake, 2nd Baron Wake of Liddell facts for kids

Thomas Wake, 2nd Baron Wake of Liddell (born 1297, died 31 May 1349) was an important English noble. He came from a powerful family in Lincolnshire that also owned land in Cumberland. His father, John Wake, 1st Baron Wake of Liddell, was called to join the parliament as a baron in 1295. Both his father and grandfather, Baldwin Wake, were known as brave warriors.

Early Life and Family Connections

Thomas Wake had some very important people as his guardians when he was young, including Piers Gaveston and Henry, Earl of Lancaster. Guardians were like special protectors or advisors for young nobles. Before 1317, Thomas married Henry's daughter, Blanche (who died in 1380).

Blanche was the niece of Thomas, Earl of Lancaster. Because of this marriage, Thomas Wake became connected to the "Lancastrian party." This was a group of powerful nobles who often disagreed with the king. However, Thomas Wake did not get involved in the events that led to Thomas of Lancaster's death in 1322.

Political Life and Royal Relations

Thomas Wake did not like the people King Edward II trusted most. These "favourites" often had a lot of power, and many nobles felt they were bad for the country. In 1326, Thomas Wake joined Queen Isabella, King Edward II's wife.

He became part of a small group of advisors who helped the young king, Edward III. But soon, Thomas Wake disagreed with Queen Isabella and her ally, Roger Mortimer. He then joined his father-in-law, the Earl of Lancaster, and other unhappy nobles who wanted changes in the government.

Challenges and Later Years

In 1330, Thomas Wake might have been involved in a plan that led to his brother-in-law, Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent, losing his life. After this, Thomas Wake went to France. He came back to England after Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer lost their power.

King Edward III then made Thomas Wake the governor of the Channel Islands. He also helped Edward Balliol invade Scotland. Later, he was sent on a special trip to France. In 1341, the king was unhappy with him, and he was put in prison. However, he was soon released and worked for the king in Brittany and other places before he died in 1349. Thomas Wake did not have any children.

Legacy and Succession

Since Thomas Wake had no children, his lands and titles went to his sister, Margaret (who also died in 1349). Margaret was the widow of Edmund of Woodstock, Earl of Kent. After Margaret, the titles passed to her son, John (who died in 1352).

Finally, the titles went to Margaret's daughter, Joan, who became the 4th Countess of Kent. Joan of Kent married Thomas Holland, and so the titles and lands were passed down to the Holland family. Thomas Wake also founded a monastery called Haltemprice Priory for a group of monks called Austin canons. This monastery was in Newton, near Cottingham, East Riding of Yorkshire, which is where he was buried.