Name Thomas Berkeley, | Died October 27, 1361 | |
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Role Maurice de Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley's son Spouse Margaret Mortimer, Baroness Berkeley Parents Maurice de Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley Children Maurice de Berkeley, 4th Baron Berkeley Grandchildren Thomas de Berkeley, 5th Baron Berkeley Grandparents Thomas de Berkeley, 1st Baron Berkeley Similar People Roger Mortimer - 1st Earl of, Hugh Despenser the Youn, Eleanor de Clare | ||
Thomas de Berkeley (c. 1293 or 1296 – 27 October 1361), The Rich, feudal baron of Berkeley, of Berkeley Castle in Gloucestershire, England, was a peer. His epithet, and that of each previous and subsequent head of his family, was coined by John Smyth of Nibley (d.1641), steward of the Berkeley estates, the biographer of the family and author of "Lives of the Berkeleys".
Contents
Origins
He was the eldest son and heir of Maurice de Berkeley, 2nd Baron Berkeley by his wife Eve la Zouche.
Career
In 1327 he was made joint custodian of the deposed King Edward II, whom he received at Berkeley Castle. He was later commanded to deliver custody of the king to his fellow custodians, namely John Maltravers, 1st Baron Maltravers and Sir Thomas Gournay. He left the king at Barkeley Castle and with heavy cheere perceiving what violence was intended he journeyed to Bradley. The king was murdered at Berkeley Castle during his absence. As an accessory to the murder of the deposed king, he was tried by a jury of 12 knights in 1330 and was honourably acquitted.
Marriages & progeny
He married twice:
Courteney Cox, the actress best known for her role as Monica in the television show Friends, is the 18x great-granddaughter of Thomas de Berkeley. This genealogy was discussed in a 2017 episode of Who Do You Think You Are? on the TLC network.
Death & succession
He died on 27 October 1361 in Gloucestershire and was succeeded by Maurice de Berkeley, 4th Baron Berkeley (born 1320, date of death unknown), eldest son and heir from his first marriage.