Thomas de Strickland



Thomas de Strickland (1367 – 30 July 1455) was the oldest son of Sir Walter de Strickland (d 1407), Sheriff of Westmorland, and Margaret de Lathom. He is best known for carrying the banner of St. George at the battle of Agincourt.

Biography
On 21 July 1403 he fought on the Royalist side at the Battle of Shrewsbury for Henry IV and was awarded by the King, a sum of £38 and two horses which had belonged to the rebel Henry Percy (Hotspur). He was also rewarded for his valiant efforts by being made Keeper of Inglewood royal forest in Cumberland.

He was appointed Sheriff of Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire for 1410 and for 1414.

He was elected knight of the shire (MP) for Westmorland in 1404, 1429 and 1431.

Battle of Agincourt
On Friday 25 October 1415 Thomas and his Men at arms, including a group of elite archers known as "the Kendal Bowmen", were part of the army of King Henry V that won a major battle at Agincourt in North West France against superior numbers. As Thomas was a Knight in training (Esq) he fought dismounted with a sword, it was a question of honour that any one who carried the banner of St. George did so without the protection of shield as they would be protected by their men at arms.

Family life
He married Mabel De Beethom, daughter of Sir John de Bethom, in 1405 and had several children:


 * Walter (1411-1466)
 * Margaret
 * Cecilia
 * Robert

Thomas was finally knighted before 1418 following the Battle of Agincourt. After that time it became common practice amongst noble families to drop the French "de" from family names so Thomas de Strickland became Sir Thomas Strickland.