Thomas West, 1st Baron West facts for kids
Thomas West, 1st Baron West (born in 1365, died April 19, 1405), was an important English nobleman. He was also a member of the English Parliament, which is like a government body. He lived during a time when kings ruled England.
The Life of Thomas West
Early Years and Family
Thomas West was the only son of Sir Thomas West (who lived from 1321 to 1386). His family came from a place called Hempston Cauntelow in Devon, England. His mother was Alice FitzHerbert (who died in 1395). Her family was also well-known. Thomas's father, Sir Thomas West, was a brave soldier. He fought in famous battles like the Battle of Crécy and the siege of Calais for King Edward III.
Young Thomas West likely served alongside his father in the army. One of them was serving in Calais in 1386, the year his father passed away. Thomas was a "knight banneret," a special type of knight. He served in Ireland in 1399 and helped King Richard II's young wife, Queen Isabella of Valois, travel back to Calais in 1401.
When Thomas was about seventeen, he and his mother and sister faced a difficult situation. They were attacked, and his sister, Eleanor, was taken away. She later married the person involved in the incident, Sir Nicholas de Clifton.
A Knight and a Baron
Thomas West became a knight in 1399. In 1402, he was called to Parliament as Baron West. This meant he became a peer, a high-ranking noble. By this time, he owned land in Harby, Nottinghamshire. He also inherited land from his parents, including manors in Newton Tony, Wiltshire, and Midsomer Norton, Somerset.
Thomas West passed away in 1405. He was buried next to his mother at Christchurch Priory in Dorset.
Family and Legacy
Before May 2, 1384, Thomas West married Joan La Warre. She was the daughter of Roger la Warr, 3rd Baron De La Warr. Joan was an important heiress, meaning she would inherit a lot of land and titles.
Thomas and Joan had three sons and one daughter:
- Thomas West, 2nd Baron West (died in 1416).
- Reginald West, who became the 3rd Baron West and 6th Baron De La Warr.
- John West (died around 1393).
- Joan West, who married twice.
