Thomas KNYVETT

(1st B. Knyvett of Escrick)

Born: 1545, Escrisk, Yorkshire, England

Died: 27 Apr 1622, England

Father: Henry KNYVETT (Sir Knight)

Mother: Anne PICKERING

Married: Elizabeth HAYWARD (dau. of Sir Rowland Hayward and Catherine Smythe) 21 Jul 1597, St.Pancas Church, Soper Lane

Educated at Jesus College, Cambridge and became a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber to Queen Elizabeth I. On the Queen's visit to Oxford, Sep 29th, 1592, he was made Master at Arms and later sat for Thetford in the Parliament of 1601. In 1603, freehold of Stanwell Manor granted to Sir Thomas Knyvett, who in 1605 was accredited with arresting Guy Fawkes. Knyvett was also granted the Manor of Staines in 1613, along with additional honours and possessions. Thomas married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Rowland Hayward and widow of Richard Warren of Essex. He was knighted at the Tower on 14 Mar, in either 1603/4. After foiling the plot, he was appointed a Privy Councillor, Member of the Council to Queen Anne, and Warden of the Mint. The King confided his daughter, Mary, to him to be educated. On Jul 4th, 1607, he was summoned to Parliament as Baron Knyvet of Escrick, Yorkshire. When Lord Knyvett died in Jul (?) 1622 his Will provided for the foundation of a free-school in Stanwell, and the Lord Knyvett School was founded in 1624. He regularly frequented the court and seems to have had a town house in King Street, Westminster and attended the funerals of the Prince of Wales in 1612 and Queen Anne's in 1619. He died on 27 Jul 1622 and is buried with his wife. Above their grave, in the Chancel of Stanwell Parish Church, Middlesex, is a large monument with effigies. The name is spelt both KNEVETT and KNYVETT.

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