Thomas Leighton (Governor)
Encyclopedia
Sir Thomas Leighton was the Governor of Guernsey and Jersey from 1570 to 1609. Sir Thomas was knighted in 1579 during the reigns of Elizabeth I
and James I
. He was from Feckenham, Worcestershire, England, born to John Leighton of Watlesburgh and Joyce Sutton of Worcestershire.
He married Elizabeth Knollys
(cousin once removed of Elizabeth I) in 1578. They had two daughters, Elizabeth and Anne Leighton, and one son, the father's namesake Thomas Leighton (born 1584).
Sir Thomas Leighton was known by some as a bloodthirsty tyrant governor. During his time as governor he was however instrumental in developing the defensive capabilities of Castle Cornet
. To achieve this he imposed heavy taxes on islanders, which was one of the reason he has been described in some circles as a tyrant. Despite being known as a tyrant he however was known as a great military strategist and he helped defend England against the attempted invasion by the Spanish Armada
in 1588.
Elizabeth I of England
Elizabeth I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty...
and James I
James I of England
James VI and I was King of Scots as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from the union of the English and Scottish crowns on 24 March 1603...
. He was from Feckenham, Worcestershire, England, born to John Leighton of Watlesburgh and Joyce Sutton of Worcestershire.
He married Elizabeth Knollys
Elizabeth Knollys
Elizabeth Knollys, Lady Leighton , was an English courtier who served Queen Elizabeth I of England, first as a Maid of Honour and secondly, after 1566, as a Gentlewoman of the Privy Chamber. Knollys was the grand-niece of Queen consort Anne Boleyn, which made her a cousin once removed of the Queen....
(cousin once removed of Elizabeth I) in 1578. They had two daughters, Elizabeth and Anne Leighton, and one son, the father's namesake Thomas Leighton (born 1584).
Sir Thomas Leighton was known by some as a bloodthirsty tyrant governor. During his time as governor he was however instrumental in developing the defensive capabilities of Castle Cornet
Castle Cornet
Castle Cornet is a large island castle in Guernsey, and former tidal island, also known as Cornet Rock or Castle Rock, which has been part of one of the breakwaters of St Peter Port's harbour, the main one in the island, since 1859.- Geography :...
. To achieve this he imposed heavy taxes on islanders, which was one of the reason he has been described in some circles as a tyrant. Despite being known as a tyrant he however was known as a great military strategist and he helped defend England against the attempted invasion by the Spanish Armada
Spanish Armada
This article refers to the Battle of Gravelines, for the modern navy of Spain, see Spanish NavyThe Spanish Armada was the Spanish fleet that sailed against England under the command of the Duke of Medina Sidonia in 1588, with the intention of overthrowing Elizabeth I of England to stop English...
in 1588.