Thomas Wriothesley facts for kids
Sir Thomas Wriothesley (pronounced RY-əth-slee; died November 24, 1534) was an important officer at the College of Arms in London. This college is where experts in heraldry (the study of coats of arms and family histories) work. Thomas followed in his father's footsteps, becoming a Garter King of Arms, which was a very high position in heraldry.
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Early Life and Family
Thomas Wriothesley was born as Thomas Writhe in a place called Colatford, in Wiltshire, England. We don't know exactly where Colatford was, but it was likely near Castle Combe or Cricklade. He was the oldest son of John Writhe and his first wife, Barbara.
Thomas married his first wife, Jane Hall, before the year 1500. They had ten children together, but only one son, Charles Wriothesley, lived to become an adult. Charles later became a Windsor Herald, another type of officer of arms. Thomas's second wife was Anne Warcop. They had one daughter who sadly died when she was very young. Thomas Wriothesley passed away in London on November 24, 1534, after a long life. He was probably buried with his family at St Giles Cripplegate church.
A Career in Heraldry
Thomas Wriothesley began his career in heraldry in 1489. He was first known as Wallingford Pursuivant, working for Arthur, Prince of Wales, and later for Prince Henry. In 1491, he even traveled with King Henry VII to Brittany.
Becoming Garter King of Arms
On January 26, 1505, Thomas was given the important job of Garter King of Arms. This was a big deal because he was chosen over other experienced heralds. His father's old friend, Roger Machado, who was Clarenceux King of Arms, helped him get the position. Around this time, Thomas changed his family name from Writhe to the more impressive Wriothesley. His brother, William Wriothesley, who was York Herald, also changed his name.
Important Events and Duties
As Garter King of Arms, Thomas Wriothesley helped plan and took part in many major events in England. These included:
- The funeral of King Henry VII.
- The crowning ceremony of King Henry VIII.
- The famous Westminster tournament of 1511, a grand knightly competition.
- The special ceremony to make Henry VIII's son, Henry Fitzroy, a Duke.
In 1520, he was present at the Field of Cloth of Gold, a huge meeting between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France. He also traveled to Austria in 1523 to give the Order of the Garter (a special award) to Archduke Ferdinand.
His Work as an Artist and Collector
Thomas Wriothesley was also a talented artist. He created many heraldic drawings, including a large collection of English coats of arms. His work is very important because it connects the older style of heraldry from the Middle Ages with the newer style used by the College of Arms later on. His drawings of monuments also showed what later heralds would do.
Historian Anthony Wagner described Wriothesley's time as Garter King of Arms as "active, prosperous and in many ways distinguished." However, Thomas Wriothesley's hope to make his office the most powerful among all the kings of arms didn't quite work out. In 1530, another herald named Thomas Benolt, who was Clarenceux King of Arms, gained the power to conduct official visits to check on family histories and coats of arms without Wriothesley's involvement. After this, the Garter King of Arms no longer played a part in these official visits.
Coat of Arms
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See also
- Herald
- King of arms
- The 1511 Westminster Tournament Roll
- The Westminster Challenge
