Thomas, the first son and heir of Giles Risdon, was well enough educated and, perhaps equally (if not more) important, well enough connected (which does presuppose, despite it not being a prerequisite, that his father also was), to be able to choose the law as a career, to which end he was admitted to the Inner Temple1: a fact that, as well as being mentioned in all of the family trees produced as a result of the Heralds’ Visitations, was dilated upon by John Prince, Vicar of Berry Pomeroy, Devon, in his The Worthies of Devon (generally referred to as Prince’s Worthies), first published in 1701, so it is him we have to thank for this information, although he does make the mistake of conflating this Thomas with his son of the same name2. We do not have a date of birth or baptism for the first Thomas, but according to Willcocks [note 2], referencing the Devonshire Association3, he was admitted to the Inner Temple in 1553, so he could have been born around the year 1525; before this admission, he would have had to progress his legal education through one of the Inns of Chancery (read the Calendar extract for details), a required precursor. Having presumably successfully completed this preliminary stage, he established himself in his lucrative position for nine years before marrying Wilmot, daughter of Thomas Gifford of Halsbury, Devon (near Buckland Brewer). They had a relatively small family, seven children, two of whom – Giles and Thomas – were also admitted to the Inner Temple (see Notable Risdons).
I will list here Thomas the elder’s notable events as listed in A Calendar of the Inner Temple Records4 which, given that his admission is not shown (whereas his son’s is), might not be comprehensive: Willcocks maintains that “it was [the father] who subsequently held the various dignities in the Inn which are erroneously ascribed by Prince to his son Thomas Risdon the younger”, so I will have to assume that, for want of evidence to the contrary, any reference to Thomas Risdon (notwithstanding the variation in the spelling of the family name) means the elder, while he is extant. Thomas’s younger brothers Philip and Giles were admitted in 1559 and 1571 respectively, so where no forename is given in the references below, my assumption that it refers to Thomas could be erroneous, but unless & until there is any evidence to the contrary, that must stand. Click here to read a longer extract from the Introduction to the Calendar, which gives fascinating background detail about the daily life of members of the Inns of Court during this period.
PARLIAMENT held on 26 January, 9 Elizabeth, A.D. 1566-7, before ANTHONY STAPYLTON, ROBERT KEYLWAY, GEORGE BROMLEY, ROGER MANWOODDE, RICHARD LONE, THOMAS BROMELEY, and others. [p.241]
…
Stewards5 for the reader’s dinner6:—Mr. Rysden7 and Mr. Thomson.
PARLIAMENT held On 11 May, 9 Elizabeth, A.D. 1567, before ANTHONY STAPLETON, ROBERT KEYLWEY, FRANCIS GAWDY, RICHARD LONE, THOMAS WYTH, and others. [p.242]
…
Stewards for the reader’s dinner:—Mr. Rysden and Mr. Thomson.
PARLIAMENT held on 3 November, 10 Elizabeth, A.D.1568, before WILLIAM POLE, THOMAS BROMLEY, ROBERT WYTHE, FRANCIS GAWDY, EDMUND ANDERSON, ROBERT GYNES, THOMAS MARYOTT, and others. [p.249]
Mr. George Bromley is chosen reader for next Lent vacation, and also again chosen treasurer for the year ensuing.
…
Auditors8 for the treasurer:—Mr. Flowrdewe, Mr. Ryseden, Mr. Ivye, and Mr. Sanckye.
PARLIAMENT held on 1 May, 9 Elizabeth, A.D. 1569, before RICHARD ONSLOWE, THOMAS BROMLEY, ANTHONY STAPYLTON, ROBERT KELWAY, FRANCIS GAWDYE, and others. [p.252]
…
Reader for next autumn vacation:—Mr. Flowrdewe.
Attendants9:—Gawdye, F., and Ryseden, T.
PARLIAMENT held on 16 April, 12 Elizabeth, A.D. 1570, before THOMAS BROMLEY, ROBERT KEYLWAY, ANTHONY STAPLETON, ROBERT WETHE, and others. BROMLEY, G., treasurer. [p.256]
…
Reader10 for the summer vacation:—Mr. Ryseden.
PARLIAMENT held on 2 November, 12 Elizabeth, A.D. 1570, before RICHARD ONSLOWE, THOMAS BROMLEY, ROBERT KEYLWAY, WILLIAM POOLE, FRANCIS GAWDY, and others. GEORGE BROMLEY, treasurer. [p.258]
…
Reader for Lent vacation next:—Mr. Francis Gawdye.
Attendants on the reader:—Mr. Wythe and Mr. Risden.
PARLIAMENT held on 6 May, 13 Elizabeth, A.D. 1571, before ROBERT KEYLWEY, GEORGE BROMLEY, RICHARD LONE, EDMUND ANDERSON, ROBERT GYNES, and others. FRANCIS GAWDY, treasurer. [p.259]
…
Reader11 for the next summer vacation:—Mr. Ryseden.
PARLIAMENT held on Sunday, 2 November, 14 Elizabeth, A.D. 1572, before BROMLEY, ROBERT KEYLWEY, GEORGE BROMLEY, ROBERT GYNES, ROBERT WYTHE, and others. [p.265]
…
Auditors for the treasurer’s account:—Mr. Gynes, Mr. Rysden, Mr. Wyet, and Mr. Ashely.
PARLIAMENT held on Monday, 2 November, 15 Elizabeth, A.D. 1573, before THOMAS BROMLEY, ANTHONY STAPLETON, ROBERT KEYLWEY, GEORGE BROMLEY, ROBERT POOLE, ROBERT WYTHE, ROBERT GYNES, and others. [p.271]
Treasurer:—Mr. Thomas Bromley, the Queen’s solicitor, and he is to make choice of whom it shall please him ”to exercise his room.”
…
Auditors12 for the treasurer’s account:—Mr. Flowerdew, Mr. Rysden, Mr. Goldyng, and Mr. Ive.
PARLIAMENT held on 30 January, 17 Elizabeth, A.D. 1574-5, before ROBERT KELLAWAIE, RICHARD LONE, ROBERT WITH, EDWARD FLOWERDEW, and others. THOMAS BROMLEY being treasurer. [p.279]
…
Special admission of Henry Jackman, at the request of Thomas Risden, reader.13
PARLIAMENT held on 6 February, 17 Elizabeth, A.D. 1574-5, before ROBERT KELLAWAIE, RICHARD LONE, EDWARD FLOWERDEW, THOMAS RISDEN14, and others. [p.279]
PARLIAMENT held on 2 November, 18 Elizabeth, A.D. 1576, before GEORGE BROMLEY, FRANCIS GAWDYE, THOMAS MARYET, EDWARD FLOWERDEW, and others. [p.285]
…
Reader:—Mr. Edward Flowerdewe.
Attendants on the reader:—Mr. Risden and Mr. Smithe.
PARLIAMENT held on 28 April, 19 Elizabeth, A.D. 1577, before THOMAS BROMLEY, GEORGE BROMLEY, RICHARD LONE, THOMAS MARIETT, EDWARD FLEWERDEWE, and others. ROBERT WYTHE, treasurer. [p.288]
Reader for the summer vacation:—Mr. Humphrey Smithe,
Attendants on the reader:—Mr. Riseden and Mr. Frenche.
PARLIAMENT held On Sunday, 17 November, 20 Elizabeth, A.D. 1577, before THOMAS BROMLEY, solicitor of the Queen, THOMAS MARRIOTT, ROBERT HALTON, ANDREW GRAYE, GEORGE WYOTT, HUMPHREY SMYTHE, and others. [p.289]
…
Reader for the Lent vacation:—Mr. Rysden15.
PARLIAMENT held on 26 January, 20 Elizabeth, A.D. 1577-8, before THOMAS BROMLEY, esquire, solicitor general, GEORGE BROMLEY, attorney of the Duchy of Lancaster, RICHARD LONE, esquire, EDWARD FLOWERDEWE, esquire, THOMAS RYSDON, esquire, ROBERT HALTON, esquire, and others. [p.291]
…
Mr. Rysdon and Mr. Walter are to be admitted to the chamber16 that was lately Mr. Serjeant Anderson’s, and Mr. Walter for the time of his reading, to have the study to himself, if he will accept his admittance.
Mr. Fowler to be admitted to the chamber where Mr. Rysdon now is, and to have the study Mr. Rysdon now has.
PARLIAMENT held On 9 February, 20 Elizabeth, A.D. 1577-8, before THOMAS BROMLEY, esquire, solicitor general, GEORGE BROMLEY, esquire, attorney general of the Duchy of Lancaster, RICHARD LONE, esquire, EDWARD FLOWERDEWE, esquire, THOMAS RISDON, esquire, ROBERT HALTON, esquire, and others. [p.292]
PARLIAMENT held on 16 November, 20 Elizabeth, A.D. 1578, before THOMAS BROMLEY, RICHARD LONE, EDWARD FLOWREDEWE, THOMAS RYSDON, ROBERT HALTON, and others. THOMAS MARIETT, esquire, treasurer. [p.295]
PARLIAMENT held on 8 February, 21 Elizabeth, A.D. 1578-9, before GEORGE BROMLEY, RICHARD LONE, EDWARD FLOWERDEWE, EDMUND WALTER, ROBERT HALTON, and others. [p.297]
…
Admittance of Edmund Walter, esquire, one of the benchers of this House and appointed reader for Lent vacation, to the chamber with Thomas Rysdon, and it is ordered that the same Edmund shall be admitted to the next bencher's chamber that may be vacant.
PARLIAMENT held on 10 May, 21 Elizabeth, A.D. 1579, before EDWARD FLOWERDEWE, THOMAS RYSDON, ROBERT HALTON, and others.
PARLIAMENT held On 19 June, 21 Elizabeth, A.D. 1579, before GEORGE BROMLEY, RICHARD LONE, ROBERT WYTHE, EDWARD FLOWERDEWE, THOMAS RISDON, ROBERT HALTON, and others. [p.298]
PARLIAMENT held On 3 November, 21 Elizabeth, A.D. 1579, before GEORGE BROMLEY, RICHARD LONE, ROBERT WYTHE, EDWARD FLOWERDEWE, THOMAS RISDON, ROBERT HALTON, and others. [p.301]
PARLIAMENT held On 22 November, 22 Elizabeth, A.D. 1579, before GEORGE BROMELEY, RICHARD LONE, THOMAS RYSDON, ROBERT HALTON, and others. [p.302]
PARLIAMENT held On 24 January, 22 Elizabeth, A.D. 1579-80, before GEORGE BROMLEY, RICHARD LONE, THOMAS RYSDON, ROBERT HALTON, and others. [p.302]
PARLIAMENT held on 7 February, 22 Elizabeth, A.D. 1579-80 before GEORGE BROMLEY, RICHARD LONE, ROBERT WYTHE, THOMAS MARYETT, THOMAS RYSDEN, ROBERT HALTON, and others. [p.303]
PARLIAMENT held on 24 April, 22 Elizabeth, A.D. 1580, before GEORGE BROMLEY, ROBERT WITHE, THOMAS MARYETT, THOMAS RYSDEN, ROBERT HALTON, and others. [p.303]
PARLIAMENT held on 15 May, 22 Elizabeth, A.D. 1580, before GEORGE BROMLEY, THOMAS MARYETT, THOMAS RYSDEN, ROBERT HALTON, and others. EDWARD FLOWERDEWE, treasurer. [p.304]
PARLIAMENT held On 5 June, 22 Elizabeth, A.D. 1580, before SIR GEORGE BROMELEY, knight, justice of Chester and attorney general of the Duchy of Lancaster, RICHARD LONE, THOMAS RYSDEN, ROBERT HALTON, and others. EDWARD FLOWERDEWE, elected serjeant at law, treasurer. [p.304]
PARLIAMENT held on 12 June, 22 Elizabeth, A.D. 1580, before Sir GEORGE BROMLEY, knight, justice of Chester and attorney general of the Duchy of Lancaster, ROBERT HALTON, elected serjeant at law, ROBERT WITHE, THOMAS RYSDEN, and others. EDWARD FLOWERDEWE, treasurer. [p.305]
PARLIAMENT held on 19 June, 2 2 Elizabeth, A.D. 1580, before Sir GEORGE BROMLEY, knight, justice of Chester and attorney general of the Duchy of Lancaster, ROBERT WITHE, THOMAS RYSDEN, and others. EDWARD FLOWERDEWE, elected serjeant at law, treasurer. [p.306]
PARLIAMENT held on 13 October, 22 Elizabeth, A.D. 1580, before ROBERT HALTON, elected serjeant at law, RICHARD LONE, THOMAS MARYETT, THOMAS RYSDEN, and others. [p.307]
…
Treasurer:—Mr. Rysden.
PARLIAMENT held on 3 November, 22 Elizabeth, A.D. 1580, before ROBERT WYTHE, THOMAS MARRIETT, RANULPH HURLESTON, JOHN PAGRAVE, ANDREW GRAY, and others. THOMAS RISDEN, treasurer. [P.308]
PARLIAMENT held on 29 January, 23 Elizabeth, A.D. 1580-1, before RICHARD LONE, ROBERT WYTHE, THOMAS MARRIET, RANULPH HURLESTON, JOHN PAGRAVE, and others. THOMAS RYSDEN, treasurer. [P.311]
PARLIAMENT held on 7 May, 23 Elizabeth, A.D. 1581, before THOMAS MARRIETT, EDMUND WALTER, RANULPH HURLESTON, esquires, and others. THOMAS RISDEN being treasurer. [p.312]
PARLIAMENT held On 28 May, 23 Elizabeth, A.D. 1581, before RICHARD LONE, RANULPH HURLESTON, NICHOLAS HARE, JOHN BULLOCK, and others. [p.313-4]
…
Special admission of Thomas Crompton17, esquire, at the request of Thomas Rysden, esquire, reader in Lent 1578.
…
General admission of Henry Hodgeson, gent., at the request of Mr. Crompton, and in consideration of the great charges to be bestowed by Mr. Crompton in building the Fine Office, the said Henry paying only 5 marks, the rest, being 5 nobles, is released.
…
“In consideration that Thomas Crompton, esquire, fellow of this House, doth take upon him to his great charge to erect and build an office, with divers chambers, lodgings, and rooms over it and to the same adjoining, within the compass of the Garden or Little Court of this House, where Sir George Bromeley, knight, hath a chamber which will hereafter in time become and grow to the great benefit of the same House,” it is therefore enacted that the said Thomas may build upon the said Garden in the place assigned, that is to say, “from the south corner of the brick wall of the said Garden along the said brick wall, north, towards the Middle Temple Gate, in length 57 feet, and in breadth, from the said wall into the Garden, 22 feet ; and moreover on the east side of the said building, into the said Garden, adjoining to the said building, 14 feet square; and likewise on the east side of the said building, for two staircases, 8 feet square a piece.” It is further enacted that the said Thomas Crompton shall have and enjoy during his natural life all the said new buildings, paying yearly 40s., and all admittances to the same during the said time, without his written consent to be void. And it is further enacted that John Morlye, esquire, fellow of this House, shall, after the decease of the said Thomas Crompton, have the same buildings with like privileges during his life, paying yearly 3li. And after the decease of the said Thomas Crompton and John Morlye, one Henry Hodgeson, gent., a fellow of this House, shall in like manner have the same buildings for term of his life, paying yearly 4li. And it shall be lawful for the said Thomas, John, and Henry, in their several times, to nominate any person, being a fellow of this House, to be admitted to any chamber of the said buildings, and the treasurer for the time being shall accept and admit such person, provided there be not above two persons in any one chamber.
Touching the petition of the clerk of the church to have an estate in the little house he lately built by licence, to him and his assigns during his life, he providing yearly during the said term a lantern and candle-light every night in the same place, from the feast of St. Michael to the feast of the Annunciation, at his own costs, it is granted that the said clerk, in consideration thereof, shall have the said building during his natural life for his own use, without assigning the same to any other.
PARLIAMENT held On 26 November, 24 Elizabeth, A.D. 1581, before THOMAS MARRYETT, THOMAS RISDEN, RANULPH HURLESTON, and NICHOLAS HARE. EDMUND WALTER being treasurer. [p.315]
PARLIAMENT held On 28 January, 24 Elizabeth, A.D. 1581-2, before THOMAS MARRIETT, THOMAS RISDEN, RANULPH HURLESTON, NICHOLAS HARE, and others. [p.317]
…
Admission of Sir Francis Drake18, knight, upon a fine at the discretion of the treasurer.
PARLIAMENT held on 11 February, 24 Elizabeth, A.D. 1581-2, before THOMAS MARRYETT, THOMAS RYSDEN, RANULPH HURLESTON, JOHN PAGRAVE, and others. [p.318]
PARLIAMENT held on 6 May, 24 Elizabeth, A.D. 1582, before THOMAS MARRIETT, THOMAS RYSDENE, JOHN PAGRAVE, NICHOLAS HARE, and others. [p.318]
PARLIAMENT held on 17 June, 24 Elizabeth, A.D. 1582, before ROBERT WITHE, THOMAS MARRYET, THOMAS RISDEN, RANULPH HURLESTON, and others. [p. 319]
PARLIAMENT held on 27 January, 25 Elizabeth, A.D. 1582-3, before THOMAS MARVET, THOMAS RYSDEN, RANULPH HUDDLESTON, JOHN PAGRAVE, and others. EDMUND WALTER being treasurer. [p. 320]
PARLIAMENT held on 10 February, 25 Elizabeth, A.D. 1582-3, before ROBERT WYTHE, THOMAS MARYETT, THOMAS RYSDON, JOHN PAGRAVE, NICHOLAS HARE, ANDREW GRAY, and others. [p. 322]
PARLIAMENT held on 3 November, 25 Elizabeth, A.D. 1583, before ROBERT WYTHE, THOMAS MARYETT, THOMAS RYSDON, EDMUND WALTER, and others. [p. 325]
PARLIAMENT held on 26 January, 26 Elizabeth, A.D. 1583-4, before THOMAS MARYET, THOMAS RYSDON, EDMUND WALTERS, and others. JOHN PAGRAVE, treasurer. [p. 327]
PARLIAMENT held On 9 February, 26 Elizabeth, A.D. 1583-4, before ROBERT WYTHE, THOMAS MARYETT, THOMAS RYSDON, EDMUND WALTERS, RANULPH HURLESTON, NICHOLAS HARE, and others. [p. 328]
PARLIAMENT held on 17 May, 27 Elizabeth, A.D. 1584, before THOMAS MALYETT [sic for Maryet], THOMAS RISDEN, and others. [p. 330]
Order that the butcher that serves the House be allowed from Saturday last till the end of next Trinity term, at the rate of 18d. for every stone of beef delivered by him to the use of the House.
PARLIAMENT held on 7 February, 27 Elizabeth, A.D. 1584-5, before THOMAS MARIETT, THOMAS RISDON, RANULPH HURLESTON, JOHN PAGRAVE, and others. [p. 333]
PARLIAMENT held On 2 May, 27 Elizabeth, A.D. 1585, before THOMAS MARIOTT, THOMAS RISDON, RANULPH HURLESTON, JOHN PAGRAVE, and others. [p. 333]
…
If Mr. Walter Wotton does not before the end of next term satisfy the bench touching divers slanderous matters contained in a bill exhibited in the Star Chamber19 against Mr. Risdon of the bench and others, then it is ordered that the said Wotton be expelled from the House.
PARLIAMENT held on 3 November, 27 Elizabeth, A.D. 1585, before THOMAS MARRIET, THOMAS RISDEN, RANULPH HUDDLESTONE, and others. [p. 336]
PARLIAMENT held On 30 January, 28 Elizabeth, A.D. 1585-6, before THOMAS MARIOTT, THOMAS RYSDEN, NICHOLAS HARE, JOHN PAGRAVE, JOHN BULLOCKE, and others. [p. 338]
PARLIAMENT held on 6 February20, 28 Elizabeth, A.D. 1585-6, before THOMAS MARIOTT, THOMAS RYSDEN, NICHOLAS HARE, JOHN PAGRAVE, JOHN BULLOCKE, and others. [p. 338]
24 Elizabeth, A.D. 1582, April 27. Indenture of sale by Edmund Bokenham, of Great Thorneham in the county of Suffolk, to Nicholas Hare of the Inner Temple, of “one capital messuage or tenement with all the buildings, rooms, backsides, orchards, yards, and gardens unto the same belonging, with all and singular appurtenances, commonly called or known by the name of Lyon’s Inn, situate and being in the parish of St Clement Danes without the bars of the New Temple, London,” which Elizabeth Golding, mother of the said Edmund, holds for term of her life.
24 Elizabeth, A.D. 1582, April 27. Indenture of sale by Edmund Bokenham, of Great Thorneham in the county of Suffolk, to Hugh Hare, of the Inner Temple, London, of five tenements or messuages in the parish of St. Clement Danes with all yards, gardens, orchards, buildings, rooms, and backsides appertaining, in which now or lately dwelt, Richard Evans, Widow Mooringe, John Farrington, Widow Daldersbye and Stephen Martyn.
25 Elizabeth, A.D. 1583, June 18. Indenture of sale by Nicholas Hare, of the Inner Temple, London, to Robert Wythe, Thomas Maryett, Thomas Risden, Edmund Walter, Randal Hurleston, John Pagrave, John Bullock, George Wyott, Humphrey Smith, Robert Goldinge, Valentine Pigott, Francis Beamont, Thomas Smalman, William Hilliard, Edward Drewe, Henry Beamont, William Hughse, and John Cowper, esquires, benchers of the Inner Temple, for the sum of 143li. 4s. 8d., of the said tenement, called Lyon’s Inn.
25 Elizabeth, A.D. 1583, June 18. Indenture of sale by Hugh Hare of the Inner Temple to Robert Wythe and other benchers of the Inner Temple, of the same five messuages for the sum of 13li.4s.8d. then paid and 107li. 18s. 9d. to be paid at Easter then following “at the font stone in the Temple church or at the place where the font stone now standeth.” *Footnote: As given in previous deed of same date.
26 Elizabeth, A.D. 1583-4, February 27. Acknowledgment by the said Hugh Hare of the receipt of the said sum of 107li. 18s. 9d.
Pro’.*
Mr Kellowaye, surveyor of the Wards.
Pro’.
Mr George Bromlye, attorney of the Duchy.
Pro’.
Mr Thomas Bromlye, sollicitor Reginæ.
Pa’.
Mr Gawdie.
Mr Wythe, Mr Poole.
Pa’.
Mr Anderson, very lerned.
Mr Maryott.
Pro’.
Mr Flowerdewe, double reader the nexte Lente, lerned.
Mr Rysden.
Pro’.
Mr Walter.
Pro’.
Mr Hurleston.
Pro’.
Mr Halton.
Mr Pagrave.
Pro’.
Mr Bullocke.
Mr Greye.
Mr Wyott.
Mr Smythe.
Pro’.
Mr Frenche lerned.
Mr Hare.
}
Have not yet reade.
As alluded to in note 20, Thomas the elder died in 1586, possibly attaining an age of about 60, about which we cannot be completely certain because of the lack of a confirmed year of birth, but such an age was probably somewhat better than could be expected by the common herd at the time, for various reasons. His father, Giles (a real exception, living to 90 years of age), was probably a worthy descendant of the first Risdons to settle in Devon (see the Risdon Dynasty page for details), and although I do not have any information so far on these earlier generations and their family circumstances, there is no reason not to suppose that they were passably well educated, and consequently held positions of some status & respect in their localities; therefore, Thomas the elder’s career might not have been exceptional within the parameters of his ancestry, but it does seem that way because of the extent of the detail we know about him. He might not have attained the highest of offices that were undoubtedly available to him, but that could very possibly have been a shrewd conscious choice, rather an indication of any lack of ambition: the awarding of the coat of arms to his family, retrospectively referencing his father, certainly shows that he was aware of the value of announcing their status, but he was also ideally placed to observe the fickle nature of high office or overt religiosity, so during this period of history, in my humble opinion at any rate, a distinct circumspection in his public affairs is to be commended, and I consider him to be a fascinating character.