STRICKLAND, Thomas (c.1564-1612), of Sizergh, Westmld. and Thornton Bridge, Yorks.

Published in The History of Parliament: the House of Commons 1558-1603, ed. P.W. Hasler, 1981
Available from Boydell and Brewer

Constituency

Dates

Family and Education

b. c.1564, s. and h. of Walter Strickland by his 2nd w. educ. Trinity Coll. Camb. 1580. m. (1) Elizabeth Seymour of Bristol, 1da.; (2) Margaret, da. of Nicholas Curwen, 4s. 3da. suc. fa. 1569. KB 1603.

Offices Held

J.p. and custos rot.1 Westmld. from c.1584, custos rot, 1592; sheriff, Yorks. 1602; member, council in the north 1603.

Biography

Aged about five at his father’s death, Strickland was brought up by his mother, who purchased his wardship and marriage from William Cooke, to whom they had been granted in October 1569. He had special livery of his lands in Westmorland and Yorkshire in 1585, his mother next year releasing to him all her interest in them. As a knight of the shire for Westmorland in 1601 Strickland could have served on committees concerned with the order of business (3 Nov.), monopolies (23 Nov.), strengthening the northern counties (3 Dec.), and regulating local government in the north (14 Dec.).2

Though concerned in the administration of his two counties and eventually a member of the council in the north, Strickland spent much of his time in London, reducing the ‘plentiful fortune’ of his family by his extravagance and gambling. In 1593, when he could have been little more than 30, he was one of those, ‘the oldest and most experienced gentlemen of the wardenry’ whose advice was sought by the warden, the 10th Lord Scrope, and in 1597 Scrape chose him to advise the deputy-warden, Henry Leigh.3 He was made KB on the eve of the King’s coronation. He died in 1612.

Ref Volumes: 1558-1603

Author: B.D.

Notes

This biography derives from H. Hornyold, Gen. Mems. of Strickland of Sizergh (Kendal, 1928) and the authorities therein cited.

  • 1. E163/14/8.
  • 2. D’Ewes, 624, 649, 665, 685.
  • 3. Border Pprs. ii. 400.