Thomas d'Ippegrave facts for kids

Thomas d'Ippegrave was an important English official who worked for Prince Edward. Prince Edward later became King Edward I. Thomas had a successful career, holding several key positions. In 1264, he was part of the Privy Council of Ireland, which was a group of advisors to the king. In 1268, he became the Constable of the Tower of London and also the Lord Mayor of London. From 1268 to 1269, he served as the Seneschal of Gascony, a high-ranking official in a region of France that belonged to England.

Early Career and Legal Work

Thomas d'Ippegrave was trained as a lawyer. He started his career as a minor clerk, which is like an assistant, in Prince Edward's household. By 1255, he was already involved with the Duchy of Gascony, a territory in France that Edward owned.

Rising Through the Ranks

Thomas quickly moved up in his career. By 1259, he became the keeper of the wardrobe for Prince Edward. This role meant he was in charge of managing Edward's money. He would receive money and pay it out on Edward's behalf.

Legal Missions in Gascony

In 1259, Thomas used his legal skills in Gascony. He helped Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, who was the king's representative there. By this time, Thomas had become a knight. King Henry III chose him to defend the Crown in a lawsuit. This lawsuit was brought by Renaud II de Pons and his wife. It was the first case from Gascony that went to the Parlement of Paris, a high court in France. Thomas returned to Prince Edward's service by January 1260 and traveled to France with Edward in November 1260.

Important Missions and Roles

In 1264, Thomas was sent on a special mission to Ireland. There, he joined the king's Secretum Consilium, which was another name for the Privy Council of Ireland. His job was to investigate claims that the Archbishop of Dublin was interfering with legal cases.

Return to England and Tax Collection

Thomas's time in Ireland was short. By early 1265, he was back in England. He then oversaw the collection of a special tax called a tallage. This tax was collected from the Jewish community in England.

Seneschal of Gascony

Thomas was appointed as the Seneschal of Gascony before November 21, 1268. As seneschal, he witnessed an important event. This was the signing of a marriage contract between Henry of Almain, who was the king's nephew, and Constance of Béarn. Constance was a very wealthy heiress from Gascony.

Confirming a Marriage Contract

After the contract was signed, Thomas issued an official document. This document formally released Constance from her father's control. It also recognized her ownership of the regions of Brulhois and Gabardan. These regions were part of her dowry, which is property or money a bride brings to her marriage. This document showed that the Duke of Gascony had clear authority over the Viscount of Béarn at that time.

Later Life and Legacy

Thomas d'Ippegrave was one of only two seneschals of Gascony that Prince Edward himself appointed. All the other seneschals during this period were appointed by Edward's father, King Henry III. Thomas was replaced as seneschal sometime between March and November 1269.

Final Appointments

In 1275, Thomas was given the position of serjeant of Eastgate in the city of Chester. This role also included collecting tolls, which are fees paid for using a road or bridge. After Thomas passed away, his widow, Joan, was given custody of the gate and the tolls in 1278. She later gave these back to the Crown in exchange for a pension, which was a regular payment.