Thomas de Beaumont, 6th Earl of Warwick facts for kids
Thomas de Beaumont, 6th Earl of Warwick (born 1208 – died June 26, 1242), was an important English noble. He held the title of Earl of Warwick and was also a baron of Hocknorton (also known as Hook Norton) and Hedenton. Thomas was the son of Henry de Beaumont, 5th Earl of Warwick and Margaret D'Oili. He was sometimes called Thomas de Henry.
Becoming Earl of Warwick
When Thomas's father passed away, Thomas was old enough to take over his family's lands and titles. However, he did not fully control the earldom right away. Four years later, he was officially made a knight in a special ceremony. This event happened in Gloucester, where the King was celebrating Whitsuntide.
Thomas also inherited land in Oxfordshire from his uncle, Henry D'Oili. He owned the Manor of Bewdley in Worcester. For this land, he had a special duty: he had to provide a fully equipped archer for twenty days whenever there was a war against the Welsh people.
In 1241, Thomas paid a large sum of money, one hundred and eighty marks, to avoid joining Henry III of England on a military trip to Gascony. This payment was called "scutage." It was more than he usually had to pay. The next year, he paid another one hundred and twenty marks.
Royal Duties and Family
Thomas had a special role at the coronation of Eleanor of Provence, who was King Henry III's wife. On June 26, 1236, Thomas carried one of the three special Swords of State. He believed it was his family's traditional right to do this.
Thomas married Ela Longespee. Ela was the daughter of William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, who was a son of Henry II of England. Ela was known for her generous gifts to religious groups. She gave money and land to monks at Reading, Berkshire, canons at Osney in Oxfordshire, and groups in Warwick and London. She also supported the Nuns of Godstow in Oxford.
In 1295, Ela gave land to the University of Oxford. Some of the money from this land was used to pay scholars at Merton College. This was so they would pray for her soul.
