Thomas White of Tuxford facts for kids

Thomas White was an English official who lived a long time ago. He became well-known during a big event called the Dudley Conspiracy in 1555. This event was against Queen Mary I of England.

Thomas White's Life and Times

Family and Home

Thomas White was the son of John White. He lived in a place called Tuxford, which is in Nottinghamshire, England. Thomas married a woman named Agnes Cecil, who was also known as Anne. Her father was Richard Cecil. Agnes had a very famous brother, Sir William Cecil. He later became the 1st Lord Burghley and was a very important advisor to Queen Elizabeth I.

A Royal Plot

In 1555, a plan known as the Dudley Conspiracy took place. Sir Henry Dudley, who was related to the Duke of Northumberland, wanted to change who was on the throne. He hoped to make Princess Elizabeth the new Queen instead of Queen Mary I.

Thomas White was an official who worked in the Exchequer. The Exchequer was like the government's money department. Thomas's part in the plot was small. He was supposed to help arrange a way to get money from the Exchequer. This money would help the plotters pay for an army they wanted to bring from other countries.

However, as time went on, Thomas White became worried. He decided to tell everything he knew to Cardinal Pole, a powerful church leader. Because of his confession, the plot was stopped.

Rewards and Riches

Queen Mary I was pleased with Thomas White's loyalty. As a reward, she gave him four estates. These estates were Cotgrave in Nottinghamshire, and Preston, Stone, and Kynwadeston in Somerset. The Queen's official papers said she gave these gifts "in consideration of good and faithful service by our beloved servant, Thomas White, gentleman, in that late conspiracy against us." This shows how important his actions were to the Queen. The papers also mentioned his wife, Agnes Cecil.

Besides these new properties, Thomas White owned other lands. He had the manor of Ruddingston in Nottinghamshire. He also had lands in Holbich, Lincoln; Stilton, Hunts.; and an estate called Woodhead in Rutland. In 1560, he bought most of the remaining parts of the Tuxford manors. His son, Sir John White, later bought the rest of them.

Thomas White passed away on October 26, 1580. He is buried with his wife in a special chapel at the Church of St. Nicholas in Tuxford. His wife lived longer than he did.