Thomas Fitzthomas (died c. 1276) was

Mayor In many countries, a mayor is the highest-ranking official in a municipal government such as that of a city or a town. Worldwide, there is a wide variance in local laws and customs regarding the powers and responsibilities of a mayor as well a ...

of London in the 13th century, closely associated with Simon De Montfort and the revolutionary regime at the time of the Second Barons' War. He led a popular uprising against the established authorities of London, and was imprisoned by Henry III when he resumed power in 1265.

Background

Fitzthomas was born into the ruling elite of thirteenth century London, and was a member of the Drapers' Guild. At that time the city, with a population of around 100,000 was governed by a council of 24 aldermen. The details of his precise biography are not known, but he became an alderman in the 1240s, and served as

Sheriff A sheriff is a government official, with varying duties, existing in some countries with historical ties to England where the office originated. There is an analogous, although independently developed, office in Iceland that is commonly transla ...

1257-8. He was appointed Mayor of London in 1261 (the title of the office later was changed to Lord Mayor in the 14th century). He lived in a mansion at Cornhill.

Revolutionary role

In 1263, when De Monfort's forces advanced on London, Fitzthomas led a popular uprising in support of the Barons. He governed through a renewal of the traditional folkmoot form of government, bypassing the elite of aldermen. He publicly endorsed the

Provisions of Oxford The Provisions of Oxford were constitutional reforms developed during the Oxford Parliament of 1258 to resolve a dispute between King Henry III of England and his barons. The reforms were designed to ensure the king adhered to the rule of law and ...

, the constitutional changes being demanded by the baronial party.

Aftermath and death

Following the defeat of De Montfort and the barons at

Evesham Evesham () is a market town and parish in the Wychavon district of Worcestershire, in the West Midlands region of England. It is located roughly equidistant between Worcester, Cheltenham and Stratford-upon-Avon. It lies within the Vale of Evesha ...

in 1265, Fitzthomas was imprisoned by the then Prince Edward. Even then he remained popular, and there were demands in 1266 for his restoration to the mayoralty. He was released in 1268 and paid a substantial fine of £500. He died around 1276, survived by two sons.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Fitzthomas, Thomas 13th-century mayors of London 13th-century births 1270s deaths Year of birth unknown Year of death uncertain Sheriffs of the City of London People of the Barons' Wars