Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thomas of Brotherton |
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Thomas depicted on a medieval roll
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| Earl of Norfolk | |
| Reign | 1312–1338 |
| Successor | Margaret, Duchess of Norfolk |
| Born | 1 June 1300 Brotherton, Yorkshire |
| Died | 4 August 1338 Framlingham Castle, Suffolk, England |
| Burial | Bury St Edmunds Abbey |
| Spouse | Alice de Hales Mary de Brewes |
| Issue | Margaret, Duchess of Norfolk< Edward of Norfolk Alice of Norfolk |
| House | Plantagenet |
| Father | Edward I of England |
| Mother | Margaret of France |
Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk (born June 1, 1300 – died August 4, 1338) was an important English noble. He was the fifth son of King Edward I of England. His mother was Margaret of France, the daughter of King Philip III of France. This made him the older half-brother of King Edward II. Thomas also held the important job of Earl Marshal of England. This role meant he was in charge of ceremonies and military matters for the king.
Early Life and Family
Thomas of Brotherton was born on June 1, 1300, in a place called Brotherton, in Yorkshire. His mother, Queen Margaret, was traveling when she unexpectedly went into labor. She prayed to Saint Thomas Becket during the difficult birth. Because of this, Thomas was named after the saint and his birthplace.
His father, King Edward I, was very happy about his birth. Thomas and his younger brother, Edmund of Woodstock, grew up together. They learned to play chess and ride horses, just like their parents. Their half-sister, Mary of Woodstock, who was a nun, often visited them. Their mother, Queen Margaret, traveled a lot with their father. But she always made sure to stay updated on how her children were doing.
Thomas was only seven years old when his father, King Edward I, passed away. His half-brother, Edward, then became King Edward II. Thomas was next in line to the throne for a while. This changed when his nephew, who would later become King Edward III, was born in 1312. Thomas was supposed to become the Earl of Cornwall. But King Edward II gave that title to his close friend, Piers Gaveston, instead. When Thomas was ten, King Edward II gave him and his brother Edmund the lands of Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk. Roger Bigod had died without any children.
Becoming an Earl and Royal Advisor
In 1312, King Edward II made Thomas the Earl of Norfolk. This was a very important title. Four years later, in 1316, Thomas was also made the Earl Marshal. This meant he was a top military officer and helped organize royal events. When his brother, the King, was away fighting in Scotland, Thomas was left in charge of England.
Thomas was known for having a quick temper. He faced problems because of the greed of the King's new favorites, Hugh Despenser the Younger and his father. These men took some of Thomas's lands unfairly.
Because of this, Thomas joined forces with Queen Isabella of France and Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March. They invaded England in 1326. Thomas helped judge the trials against the Despensers. Later, when his nephew Edward III became old enough to rule, Thomas became one of his main advisors. Thomas had helped Edward III take power. As the Lord Marshal, Thomas led the right side of the English army. This was during the Battle of Halidon Hill on July 19, 1333.
Thomas passed away on August 4, 1338. He was buried at the Bury St Edmunds Abbey. Since he had no sons who lived, his daughter, Margaret, became the Countess of Norfolk. She was later given the special title of Duchess of Norfolk in 1397.
As a son of King Edward I of England, Thomas had the right to use the royal coat of arms of England. His coat of arms had a special white stripe with three points to show he was a younger son.
Marriages and Children
Thomas married twice. His first wife was Alice de Hales. They married before January 8, 1326. Alice was the daughter of Sir Roger de Hales. Thomas and Alice had one son and two daughters:
- Margaret, Duchess of Norfolk: She married John Segrave, 4th Baron Segrave, and later Walter Manny, 1st Baron Manny.
- Edward of Norfolk: He married Beatrice Mortimer. But he died without having any children before August 9, 1334.
- Alice of Norfolk: She married Edward Montagu, 1st Baron Montagu.
Thomas's first wife, Alice, died by October 1330.
Thomas married his second wife, Mary de Brewes, before April 4, 1336. Mary was the widow of Sir Ralph de Cobham. She was the daughter of Sir Peter de Brewes. Thomas and Mary did not have any children who lived.
See also
In Spanish: Tomás de Brotherton para niños
