Thomas de Berkeley, 1st Baron Berkeley facts for kids

Arms of the Berkeley family: A red shield with a silver chevron and ten silver cross shapes.

Thomas de Berkeley, 1st Baron Berkeley (born around 1245 – died July 23, 1321), was also known as The Wise. He was an important English noble, a brave soldier, and a skilled diplomat. He lived at Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire, England. People called him "The Wise" because of a writer named John Smyth, who wrote about the Berkeley family.

Early Life

Thomas de Berkeley was born around 1245 at Berkeley Castle. His father was Sir Maurice de Berkeley, who was also a powerful lord. His mother was Isabel FitzRoy, who was related to King John (who ruled from 1199 to 1216).

His Important Work

Thomas de Berkeley was involved in many important events in England.

• In 1265, he fought in the Battle of Evesham.
• When his father passed away in 1281, Thomas took over as the lord of Berkeley.
• On June 28, 1283, King Edward I (who ruled from 1272 to 1307) made him the first Baron Berkeley. This meant he was a very important noble who could be called to Parliament.
• In 1292, he helped decide who should be the next king of Scotland.
• He traveled to France in 1296 as an ambassador, representing England.
• In 1297, he held the important job of Vice-Constable of England.
• He fought in the Battle of Falkirk in 1298.
• In 1300, he was at the Siege of Caerlaverock in Scotland.
• He went on a special trip to see Pope Clement V in 1307.
• In 1314, he fought in the Battle of Bannockburn. During this battle, he was captured and had to pay a lot of money to be set free.

Family Life

In 1267, Thomas de Berkeley married Joan de Ferrers. Her father was William de Ferrers, 5th Earl of Derby. Together, Thomas and Joan had several children:

• Maurice de Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley (born 1271 – died 1326), who was their oldest son.
• Thomas Berkeley, who lived in Coston, Leicestershire.
• John Berkeley (died around 1317).
• James Berkeley (died 1327), who became a Bishop of Exeter.
• Alice Berkeley, who married Sir Ralph Stourton.
• Isabel Berkeley.
• Margaret Berkeley, who married Sir Anselm Basset of Uley.

End of Life

Thomas de Berkeley passed away at Berkeley Castle on July 23, 1321. His oldest son, Maurice de Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley, became the next Baron Berkeley.

Images for kids

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  Arms of the Berkeley family