Thomas Windsor, 1st Viscount Windsor facts for kids
Thomas Windsor, 1st Viscount Windsor (born around 1670, died 8 June 1738), was a British Army officer and a politician. Before 1699, he was known as The Honourable Thomas Windsor. He served in the English and British Parliaments between 1685 and 1712. Later, he joined the British House of Lords.
Early Life and Parliament
Thomas Windsor was the second son of Thomas Hickman-Windsor, 1st Earl of Plymouth. His mother was Ursula Widdrington.
In 1685, when he was about 16, Thomas became a Page of Honour to King James II. This was a special role in the King's household. He held this job until the King left power in 1688. Around the same time, he was elected to Parliament for Droitwich. Even though he was very young, he became a Member of Parliament (MP). He did not take an active part in Parliament's meetings then. He was not re-elected in 1687.
Military Career
Thomas Windsor had a long career in the Army. In 1685, during the Monmouth Rebellion, he served as a cornet in a cavalry unit. He continued to rise through the ranks.
- In 1687, he was a captain.
- From 1690 to 1694, he was a lieutenant-colonel.
- He became a colonel of horse (cavalry) in different periods: 1694-1697, 1702-1707, and 1711-1712.
- From 1712 to 1717, he was a colonel of the 3rd Dragoon Guards.
- He was promoted to brigadier in 1702.
- He became a major-general in 1704.
- Finally, he reached the rank of lieutenant-general in 1710.
Political Roles and Titles
In 1692, Thomas Windsor became a Groom of the Bedchamber for King William. This was another important role in the King's private household. He served the King until 1702.
In 1699, he was given a special title in Ireland: Viscount Windsor, of Blackcastle. Because this was an Irish title, he could still be elected to the English Parliament. So, in 1705, he was elected again for Bramber. He held this seat until 1708. From 1708 to 1712, he represented Monmouthshire in Parliament.
In 1712, he received another title, this time in England: Baron Mountjoy, in the Isle of Wight. He was one of twelve new peers created to help the Tory party have more power in the House of Lords.
Family Life
In 1703, Lord Windsor married Lady Charlotte Herbert. She was the daughter of Philip Herbert, 7th Earl of Pembroke. Charlotte was also the widow of John Jeffreys, 2nd Baron Jeffreys. In 1709, they needed to sell some land to manage their money.
They had five children together: one son and at least four daughters:
- Herbert Windsor, 2nd Viscount Windsor (1707–1758)
- Hon. Ursula Windsor
- Hon. Charlotte Windsor
- Hon. Catharine Windsor (1716–1742)
- A daughter who died young.
Charlotte passed away in November 1733. Lord Windsor died in June 1738. His son, Herbert, then inherited his titles.
Thomas Windsor also inherited the Lower Avon Navigation from his father. This was a system of waterways that his father had gained rights to from the future King James II.
