Thomasine, Lady Percival facts for kids

Thomasine, Lady Percival (born Thomasine Bonaventure; around 1470 – around 1530), was a kind woman from Cornwall. She used her wealth to help others and founded a school.

Thomasine Percival's Amazing Life

Thomasine Bonaventure grew up in a small village called Week St Mary in North Cornwall. One day, while she was looking after sheep, a merchant from London met her. He asked if she would like to work in his home in the big city. Thomasine agreed and moved to London.

From Shepherdess to Lady

Thomasine started working for the London merchant. Later, she married him. After he passed away, she married another important man from London. Then, she married a third man, Sir John Percival. He became the Lord Mayor of London in 1498. This was a very important job!

After Sir John Percival died, Thomasine became a widow. She was known as Lady Percival. She had become very wealthy. She decided to use her money to help people.

A Smart Businesswoman

Thomasine was not just a wife; she was also very smart in business. She helped her three husbands with their work. Even after they passed away, she continued to be active in business. She was so successful and rich that she even loaned money to the King!

Historians like Richard Carew and Davies Gilbert wrote about Thomasine. They both said her original name was Thomasine Bonaventure. Some people think "Bonaventure" might mean "good fortune" because of her success. However, her will mentions a brother named 'John Bonaventer'. This suggests it was her real family name. Both historians also said she was charming and intelligent.

Her Legacy: The School and Library

Thomasine was from Week St Mary. She is said to have paid for the repair of a bridge there. Most importantly, she founded a school and a library in her hometown around 1510. This school was very important for people in Cornwall. It was also used by some people from Devon.

The school continued until the time of Edward VI, when it was closed down. Thomasine wrote a will to set up and support the school. A copy of her will was bought by the British Library in 1972. It helps us learn more about her generous gifts.

Some records say Thomasine's first husband was Thomas Bumsby. Her second husband was Henry Gall. These names also appear in business records from London.