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In 1606 Thomas Smith purchased Brightwells, Parson' Green from Sir William Billesbie.
In 1556 Thomas Smith was born at Abingdon, Berkshire. In Harl. MS. 1551, 69b, it is stated that he was the son of Thomas Smyth, of Abingdon, by Jone his wife, daughter of Thomas Jenings. The marriage license of the sister of Sir Thomas Smith describes her as: "Marye Smithe of the Savoy London, spinster, daughter of Srnithe of Abingdon co. Berks, gent." Mary Smith married Thomas Andrewes of St. Sepulchre. The license issued by the Bishop of London is dated 23 Feb. 1595-6. Thomas Smith received his early education at the Free Grammar School at Abingdon, In 1573 he was entered as a student of Christ Church, Oxford, where he graduated B.A., 17 Dec. 1574 and M.A., 17 June 1578. Between 1582-94 he was the public orator of the University, and in 1584 he was appointed proctor.
In 1589 Thomas Smith (age 33) was elected MP Cricklade.
In 1593 Thomas Smith (age 37) was elected MP Tamworth.
In 1597 Thomas Smith (age 41) was appointed Clerk to the Parliament.
On 20th May 1603 Thomas Smith (age 47) was knighted by King James I of England and Ireland and VI of Scotland (age 36) at Greenwich, Kent [Map], and in the same year made him his "Secretary of the Latin Tongue," with a salary of forty marks a year, and Secretary to the Council of the North.
Before November 1609 Thomas Smith (age 53) and Frances Brydges (age 29) were married. The difference in their ages was 24 years.
On 27th November 1609 Thomas Smith (age 53) died at Brightwells, Parson' Green. He was buried on 7th December 1609 in the Chancel of All Saints Church, Fulham.
On 21st December 1609 the will of Thomas Smith (deceased) was proved:
My body to be buried after a X'ian manner decently and christianly but without any needles and superfluous solemnitie or expence.
Next concerning my worldlie estate thoughe very meane in respecte of the long tyme and travaile by me for the getting thereof yet far beyond my deserte (yf it were much lesse than it is) the same beyng Gods benefitt wherof throughe my synnes 1 am alltogeather unworthie. Whereas yt doth consiste partly of a little Land partlie of some fewe Leases partlie of some money plate and other moueables. My dwelling house [Brightwells, Parson' Green] at Parson greene in the parish of Fulham with the land purchased with yt and to yt I do give to my sonne Robert Smithe but my wife Frances to receive the profits during her life. My house and land called Hertley or Hartley Court in the parish of Shinfield near Reading being at present Iett by me on lease to my brother Richard Smithe or £100 per an. I do likewise devise to my said son. The land which I lately bought of my friend Hughe Middleton in the manor of Barvvicke uppon Tease co. Yorke to said son and to his heirs for ever and in default to my daughter Margaret Smythe that is to say my estate at Parsons Green to my said daughter and her heirs for ever with reserval of the profitts to my wife during her life as abovesaid and all my said other lands to said daughter for life Remainder to my brother Richard Smithe and the heirs male of his body and for Default said lands to return to the heirs of my said daughter for ever.
To Sir Thomas Bodley for the Librarie in Oxforde twentie markes to be bestowed on some bookes at his Discretion. To the poore of the towne and parishe of ffulham where my nowe dwelling is I give and bequeath £20. My wife sole executrix but my son executor of his part and my good friends Sr John Benett, kt., Sr Owen Oglethorpe, Mr. John Buckeridge, D.D., my brother Richard Smithe and Mr. Hugh Middleton to be overseers
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In 1610 Thomas Cecil 1st Earl Exeter (age 67) and [his former wife] Frances Brydges Countess Exeter (age 30) were married. She by marriage Countess Exeter. The difference in their ages was 37 years.
In 1663 [his former wife] Frances Brydges Countess Exeter (age 83) died.