Sir Thomas Englefield (also known as ''Inglefield''''

Dictionary of National Biography The ''Dictionary of National Biography'' (''DNB'') is a standard work of reference on notable figures from British history, published since 1885. The updated ''Oxford Dictionary of National Biography'' (''ODNB'') was published on 23 September ...

, Englefield, Sir Thomas (1455–1514)'') (c. 1455 – 3 April 1514) was Speaker of the House of Commons. He was born, probably in Englefield in

Berkshire Berkshire ( ; in the 17th century sometimes spelt phonetically as Barkeshire; abbreviated Berks.) is a historic county in South East England. One of the home counties, Berkshire was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II as the Royal County of Berk ...

, around 1455, the son of John Englefield whose family had been Lords of the Manor there for many generations. His father died while he was quite young and his grandfather, Robert Englefield, had him educated in law at the Middle Temple. He was created a Knight of the Bath on the marriage of Prince Arthur in 1501. He held land on the Welsh border, notably in Worcestershire where he became a magistrate (JP) in 1493. He was returned to Parliament as knight of the shire (MP) for Berkshire in 1497 and 1510 and on both occasions elected

Speaker of the House The speaker of a deliberative assembly, especially a legislative body, is its presiding officer, or the chair. The title was first used in 1377 in England. Usage The title was first recorded in 1377 to describe the role of Thomas de Hungerf ...

. He had married Margery, daughter of Sir Richard Danvers with whom he had two sons, Richard, who died young and Thomas, his heir and the father of the Catholic politician, Sir Francis Englefield.

References

History of Parliament ENGLEFIELD, Sir Thomas (1455–1514) of Englefield, Berks
{{DEFAULTSORT:Englefield, Thomas 1450s births 1514 deaths Year of birth uncertain People from Englefield, Berkshire Knights of the Bath Speakers of the House of Commons of England Members of the Parliament of England for Berkshire English MPs 1497 English MPs 1510