Thomas Spring of Lavenham
Encyclopedia
Sir Thomas Spring also known as Thomas Spring III, was an English
merchant in Suffolk
during the early 1500s. He lived in Lavenham
, Suffolk. He had inherited the Spring family cloth business from his father, also Thomas Spring. During Spring’s lifetime, the cloth trade was at its most profitable. By the time of his death, Spring was believed to be the richest man in England outside the nobility, having invested much of his money in land.
In 1512, 1513 and 1517 his name appears as one of the commissioners for collecting taxation in Suffolk. Spring played a large part in defeating supporters of William de la Pole
, 1st Duke of Suffolk, who claimed the throne from Henry VII. However in 1517, under the reign of Henry VIII, Thomas was given exemption from his public duties. At this point, he was probably at the height of his wealth.
Spring is mentioned in Skelton's
satirical poem "Why come ye not to Court" with a reference to the 'rich clothier', with whom Skelton is said to have been friends. He writes:
"Now nothing, but pay pay with laughe and lay downe Borough, Citie and towne good Springe of Lanam must count what became of his clothe makyng. My Lordes grace will bryng down thys hye Springe and brynge it so lowe it shal not ever flow."
Sir Thomas married Anna King in 1493 and togther they had five children:
Spring was knighted by Henry VII
. He is buried in the Spring family parclose in Lavenham church.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
merchant in Suffolk
Suffolk
Suffolk is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in East Anglia, England. It has borders with Norfolk to the north, Cambridgeshire to the west and Essex to the south. The North Sea lies to the east...
during the early 1500s. He lived in Lavenham
Lavenham
Lavenham is a village and civil parish in Suffolk, England. It is noted for its 15th century church, half-timbered medieval cottages and circular walk. In the medieval period it was among the 20 wealthiest settlements in England...
, Suffolk. He had inherited the Spring family cloth business from his father, also Thomas Spring. During Spring’s lifetime, the cloth trade was at its most profitable. By the time of his death, Spring was believed to be the richest man in England outside the nobility, having invested much of his money in land.
In 1512, 1513 and 1517 his name appears as one of the commissioners for collecting taxation in Suffolk. Spring played a large part in defeating supporters of William de la Pole
William de la Pole
William de la Pole may refer to:*Sir William de la Pole *Sir William de la Pole of Hull *William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk...
, 1st Duke of Suffolk, who claimed the throne from Henry VII. However in 1517, under the reign of Henry VIII, Thomas was given exemption from his public duties. At this point, he was probably at the height of his wealth.
Spring is mentioned in Skelton's
John Skelton
John Skelton, also known as John Shelton , possibly born in Diss, Norfolk, was an English poet.-Education:...
satirical poem "Why come ye not to Court" with a reference to the 'rich clothier', with whom Skelton is said to have been friends. He writes:
"Now nothing, but pay pay with laughe and lay downe Borough, Citie and towne good Springe of Lanam must count what became of his clothe makyng. My Lordes grace will bryng down thys hye Springe and brynge it so lowe it shal not ever flow."
Sir Thomas married Anna King in 1493 and togther they had five children:
- Annie Spring (1494–1528)
- Rose Spring (b.1496)
- Bridget Spring (b.1498)
- Sir John Spring (1500–1549), who inherited the family business from his father.
- Robert Spring (1502–1550)
Spring was knighted by Henry VII
Henry VII of England
Henry VII was King of England and Lord of Ireland from his seizing the crown on 22 August 1485 until his death on 21 April 1509, as the first monarch of the House of Tudor....
. He is buried in the Spring family parclose in Lavenham church.
See also
- Spring family