Thomas Wensley


Sir Thomas Wensley of Wensley in Derbyshire, served five times as a Member of Parliament for Derbyshire, in 1382, 1384, 1386, 1390 and 1394. He was a follower of John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster and was killed on 21 July 1403, fighting at the Battle of Shrewsbury for the Lancastrian cause.

Career

He was a son of Roger Wensley, about whom little is recorded. He served as Steward and Constable of the High Peak, Derbyshire, and for the Duchy of Lancaster. He was knighted between 1382–4.

Marriage and issue

He married a wife of unrecorded name, with legitimate issue unknown. He did however leave an illegitimate son:
He was killed on 21 July 1403, fighting at the Battle of Shrewsbury for the Lancastrian cause and was buried in Bakewell Church, Derbyshire, 5 miles north-west of Wensley, where survives his effigy, dressed in full armour and wearing around his neck the Collar of Esses of the Lancastrian livery. His helmet is inscribed IHC Nazaren.