Thomas Sturmy was a 13th-century landowner, nobleman, and household knight for John, King of England.

Origins

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He was the younger son of Geoffrey Sturmy who held land from the king by Serjeanty.[1] This family has its origins from the Norman Baron Richard Stirmud, although they had declined since then in wealth and power.[1]

Life and career

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Geoffrey was likely a close associate to John, King of England when he was count of mortain (before he was king of England).[1] This conclusion is reached from the fact that Sturmy had his lands confiscated temporarily for the part he played in the revolt against Richard I of England in 1194.[1] He began his royal service as a squire in King Johns court.[1]

He was given the custody of the lands of the bishopric of Chichester briefly in March 1208 – 1209.[2] He was also given temporary custody of the Abbey of Hide along with the Breosa priories.[2] Thomas played an important role in the service of the kings buttery.[3] The kings buttery was a royal department responsible for the storage, transportation, and acquisition of barreled goods, primarily wine.[3] It was headed by the Kings Butler (Bottler). From June 1213 to April 1215 Thomas acquired and transported wine for the kings use from various storage places.[3] It is probable that Thomas Sturmy was awarded with money and food from his services in the buttery[4]

Family

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He married Lucia, widow of Hugh de Montviron, probably with help from the king due to his royal services.[5]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e Church, S. D. (1999). The household knights of King John. Cambridge University Press. p. 26. ISBN 0-511-00213-0. OCLC 48139481.
  2. ^ a b Church, S. D. (1999). The household knights of King John. Cambridge University Press. p. 52. ISBN 0-511-00213-0. OCLC 48139481.
  3. ^ a b c Church, S. D. (1999). The household knights of King John. Cambridge University Press. p. 67. ISBN 0-511-00213-0. OCLC 48139481.
  4. ^ Church, S. D. (1999). The household knights of King John. Cambridge University Press. p. 84. ISBN 0-511-00213-0. OCLC 48139481.
  5. ^ Church, S. D. (1999). The household knights of King John. Cambridge University Press. p. 88. ISBN 0-511-00213-0. OCLC 48139481.