Fall from grace highlighted in heritage talk
Well-known local historian Janet Pennington will tell the story of Sir Thomas Sherley at Southwick Community Centre, in Southwick Street, Southwick, on Monday at 7.30pm.
Southwick Society secretary Nigel Divers said Sherley was a remarkable man.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdGreatly favoured by Queen Elizabeth I, he was knighted in 1573 then appointed Sheriff of Sussex in 1577.
“He became a very fair local Justice of the Peace and Member of Parliament for Steyning,” said Mr Divers.
“Ten years later, his skills and attributes led him to being appointed treasurer-at-war in the Netherlands. This was a hugely important job in England’s long-running war in support of the Dutch republic against Spain.
“Unfortunately, he succumbed to temptation and used his considerable ‘perks’ to finance luxurious possessions for his newly-built house at Wiston.”
The story of his eventual fall from grace will be illustrated with photographs of Wiston House, portraits and contemporary quotations. Entry is £4, members £2.