Thomas Fettiplace

Thomas Fettiplace was a fourth son of a minor English noble, and as such had little chance of significant inheritance. However, through marriage he came into possession of considerable wealth.

Thomas made his living in the world of manorial management and, in 1413, was appointed steward to Gilbert, Lord Talbot at the manor of Bampton in Oxfordshire. Talbot had his main estates in the Welsh Marches, while the manor of Bampton served him while attending the King at Oxford or Woodstock. Talbot was killed at the siege of Rouen in 1418, and Thomas married his widow Beatrice in 1422. With this marriage Thomas added immensely to Fettiplace’s importance and wealth, for Beatrice was not only Lady Talbot, but a minor member of the Portuguese Royal family, probably a member of the De Sousa family, descendants of an illegitimate son of King Alfonso III (r. 1248-1279).

With his new wealth and prestige Thomas held many high offices. In 1432, he was elected Member of Parliament for Oxfordshire, and in 1435 was appointed Sheriff of Oxfordshire and Berkshire. He held lands in Childrey and even houses in Caen (Normandy) as well as almost certainly being Lord of the Manor of East Shefford, residing at East Shefford House, otherwise known as Hugditch Court. His manors of Stokenchurch (Oxfordshire), Maidencourt (Berkshire) and East Shefford (Berkshire) were inherited by his three sons, William James and John, respectively.