Thomas Wentworth, 1st Baron Wentworth facts for kids
Thomas Wentworth, 1st Baron Wentworth (born 1501, died 1551) was an important English nobleman and helper to the king during the time of the Tudor dynasty. He was known as a "peer" because he held a special title, Baron Wentworth, which meant he was part of the highest ranks of society. He also worked closely with the royal family as a "courtier."
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Who Was Thomas Wentworth?
Thomas Wentworth came from a family that originally lived in Yorkshire. However, a part of his family had moved to a place called Nettlestead, Suffolk in the mid-1400s. This is where Thomas Wentworth was born.
His Family Connections
Thomas was the oldest son of Sir Richard Wentworth. His aunt, Margery Wentworth, was the mother of Jane Seymour. Jane Seymour later became one of King Henry VIII's wives. Thomas's mother was Anne Tyrrell. He had two younger brothers, Philip and Richard, and five sisters: Anne, Elizabeth, Dorothy, Margery, and Thomasine.
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Around 1520, Thomas Wentworth married Margaret Fortescue. They had a very large family with eight sons and nine daughters! Their oldest son, also named Thomas, later became the 2nd Baron Wentworth. Some of his daughters married important people:
- Jane married Henry Cheyne, 1st Baron Cheyne.
- Margery married John Williams, 1st Baron Williams of Thame and later Sir William Drury.
- Dorothy married the famous explorer Martin Frobisher.
- Anne married John Pooley.
Thomas Wentworth's Career and Royal Service
Thomas Wentworth was involved in important events during his life, serving the king and the country.
Early Military Service
In 1523, Thomas Wentworth joined an invasion of France led by the Duke of Suffolk. Although this invasion was not successful, Thomas was recognized for his service and was made a knight.
Becoming a Baron
In 1529, he was given the special title of Baron Wentworth. This made him a member of the Peerage of England, which meant he had a high rank in society and could take part in important government decisions.
Supporting King Henry VIII
Thomas Wentworth was a loyal supporter of King Henry VIII. He was one of the noblemen who signed a letter to the Pope. This letter supported King Henry VIII's wish to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. This was a very important event in English history.
He was also present at several important trials:
- In 1536, he was at the trials of Anne Boleyn (another of Henry VIII's wives) and her brother, Lord Rochford.
- In 1538, he was present at the trials of Lord Montagu and the Marquess of Exeter.
Service to Edward VI
In 1550, Thomas Wentworth was given another very important job. He was appointed Lord Chamberlain to King Edward VI. Edward VI was Henry VIII's son and became king after his father died. As Lord Chamberlain, Thomas Wentworth was a senior officer in the royal household, managing many of the king's affairs.
His Final Years
Thomas Wentworth died in 1551. His funeral was held at Westminster Abbey, a very famous and important church in London. He was buried there in the Chapel of St John the Baptist. After his death, his title of Baron Wentworth passed to his oldest son, also named Thomas.
