FORTESCUE, Thomas I (1534-1611), of Fleet Street, London, and Donnington, Berks.

Fortescue’s elder brother provided him with his three seats in Parliament and with his minor but lucrative job. Just before his death he petitioned Robert Cecil, by then Earl of Salisbury, for permission to nominate his own deputy in the alienations office, where he had himself served as deputy for 20 years. He died 11 May 1611 possessed of the former priory of Donnington, Berkshire, and, conveniently close to his London office, part of a large messuage, The Cat and Fiddle in the parish of St. Dunstan, Fleet Street. In the will he made 10 May 1608 Fortescue left his Berkshire lands to his nephew William. His executors were to try to force Sir Thomas Parry to repay the money and goods which Fortescue, as executor of his mother Anne, had given him at her death on condition that he should carry out the terms of her will. He asked to be buried at Welford church near his mother.1T. Fortescue, Lord Clermont, Fortescue Fam. 265, 423; Mdx. Peds. (Harl. Soc. lxv), 50; CSP Dom. 1611-18, p. 8; PRO Index 16774, ff. 38, 176v, 209v; C142/385/45; PCC 51 Wood.