1. Sir Thomas Smythe was an English merchant, politician and colonial administrator.
21 Facts About Thomas Smythe
1. 2.
Thomas Smythe was the first governor of the East India Company and treasurer of the Virginia Company from 1609 to 1620 until enveloped by scandal.
3.
Thomas Smythe was second surviving son of Thomas "Customer" Smythe of Westenhanger Castle in Kent, by his wife Alice, daughter of Sir Andrew Judde.
4.
Thomas Smythe's father was a haberdasher, and was customer of the port of London.
5.
Thomas Smythe purchased Westenhanger from Sir Thomas Sackville, and other property from Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester.
6.
In 1580, young Thomas Smythe was admitted to the freedom of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers and of the Worshipful Company of Skinners.
7.
Thomas Smythe quickly rose to wealth and distinction after entering politics to augment his business.
8.
Thomas Smythe was made Auditor for the City of London from 1597 to 1598, and Treasurer of St Bartholomew's Hospital from 1597 to 1601.
9.
Thomas Smythe financed numerous Elizabethan-era trade ventures and voyages of exploration during the early 17th century.
10.
In 1592, Thomas Smythe obtained settlement rights to the Virginia colony from Sir Walter Raleigh.
11.
When Thomas Smythe was later accused of complicity in the Essex Rebellion, he was examined before the Privy Council.
12.
Thomas Smythe was fired from his office of sheriff and committed to the Tower of London.
13.
In 1614, Thomas Smythe was elected Member of Parliament for Sandwich and for Saltash in 1622.
14.
Thomas Smythe was elected MP for Dunwich that same year.
15.
In 1609, Thomas Smythe obtained a royal charter for the London Virginia Company.
16.
In 1620, Thomas Smythe was formally charged with enriching himself at the expense of the company.
17.
For several years Thomas Smythe served as one of the navy's chief commissioners.
18.
Thomas Smythe was an original adventurer of the Somers Isles Company on its formation in 1615, having and served as Governor of the Somers Isles from its official settlement by the Virginia Company in 1612, continuing in this role after its split with the Virginia Company in 1614.
19.
Thomas Smythe was already married to his third wife, Sarah, daughter of William Blount, by the time Smythe was sheriff of London.
20.
Thomas Smythe gave to Tonbridge School founded by his grandfather: one of the five day houses at the school is named after him.
21.
Thomas Smythe established several charities for the poor of the parish of Tonbridge.