British Statesman, Spymaster. Son of an Essex Rector, he trained at Lincoln's Inn as a lawyer, and became Secretary to the Parliamentary Commissioners at the Treaty of Uxbridge (1645). After the end of the English Civil War he became part of Oliver Cromwell's government and in 1652 was appointed a Secretary of State. Shortly afterwards he became Head of Intelligence, controlling a network of spies and code-breakers to foil plots against Cromwell and the Protectorate. Amongst other successes were the breaking of a Royalist secret society, the Sealed Knot, and, after Thurloe gained control of the Post Office and could intercept mail, the uncovering of Edward Sexby's plot to assassinate Cromwell. Prominent in political life, Thurloe also became a governor of London Charterhouse School and Chancellor of the University of Glasgow. He represented Cambridge University in the Third Protectorate Parliament, but was not considered an effective public speaker. His support of Oliver Cromwell's son Richard as Lord Protector, especially in encouraging him to take the title of King of England, and his resistance to the return of the monarchy, resulted in his arrest for high treason after the Restoration of Charles II. He was not tried, but was released to provide private intelligence for Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon. He retired to his Chambers in Lincoln's Inn, where he died. His papers, found in the late 17th century hidden in a false ceiling in his Chambers, are now in the Bodleian Library and the British Museum.
British Statesman, Spymaster. Son of an Essex Rector, he trained at Lincoln's Inn as a lawyer, and became Secretary to the Parliamentary Commissioners at the Treaty of Uxbridge (1645). After the end of the English Civil War he became part of Oliver Cromwell's government and in 1652 was appointed a Secretary of State. Shortly afterwards he became Head of Intelligence, controlling a network of spies and code-breakers to foil plots against Cromwell and the Protectorate. Amongst other successes were the breaking of a Royalist secret society, the Sealed Knot, and, after Thurloe gained control of the Post Office and could intercept mail, the uncovering of Edward Sexby's plot to assassinate Cromwell. Prominent in political life, Thurloe also became a governor of London Charterhouse School and Chancellor of the University of Glasgow. He represented Cambridge University in the Third Protectorate Parliament, but was not considered an effective public speaker. His support of Oliver Cromwell's son Richard as Lord Protector, especially in encouraging him to take the title of King of England, and his resistance to the return of the monarchy, resulted in his arrest for high treason after the Restoration of Charles II. He was not tried, but was released to provide private intelligence for Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon. He retired to his Chambers in Lincoln's Inn, where he died. His papers, found in the late 17th century hidden in a false ceiling in his Chambers, are now in the Bodleian Library and the British Museum.
Bio by: Sheilia W.
Advertisement
