Sir Thomas Wyatt, c.1520–54, English soldier and conspirator, British And Irish History, Biographies

Related Category: British And Irish History, Biographies

Sir Thomas Wyatt c.1520–54, English soldier and conspirator; son of the poet Sir Thomas Wyatt. In Jan., 1554, when Queen Mary's intention to marry Philip II of Spain was announced, Wyatt joined a planned insurrection against the queen. His allies in other parts of the country were arrested or dispersed, but Wyatt raised a small army in Kent. Troops were sent against him at Rochester, but most of them deserted to Wyatt's side. He set out for London and arrived early in February, but defections and the loyalty of Londoners to Queen Mary prevented him from capturing her and taking the city. He surrendered and was executed as a traitor. It was supposed by many that Princess Elizabeth was involved, but Wyatt's last statement exonerated her.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia Copyright © 2009, Columbia University Press.
Licensed from Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

---

---