Darcy, Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron

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Darcy, Thomas Darcy, 1st Baron (c.1467–1537). The Darcy estates were in Yorkshire and Thomas Darcy was descended from the lords Darcy of Knaith (Lincs.). Useful in the reign of Henry VII in the north, Darcy was created a peer in 1504 and given the Garter at the accession of Henry VIII in 1509. But he became increasingly disillusioned with Henry's religious policy, disliked the dissolution of the monasteries, and began plotting with the imperial ambassador. In the rising of the Pilgrimage of Grace for the old religion, he played an equivocal role and was accused of treason in surrendering Pontefract castle to the rebels. His explanations that he was trying to steer the rising were brushed aside and he was beheaded on Tower Hill in June 1537. His son was restored to the title in the reign of Edward VI.

J. A. Cannon

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Thomas Darcy Baron Darcy

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