Sir Thomas Leighton (c.1530–1610) was the Governor of Guernsey and Jersey from 1570 to 1609. Sir Thomas was knighted in 1579 during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I. He was from Feckenham, Worcestershire, England, born to John Leighton of Watlesburgh and Joyce Sutton of Worcestershire.
He married Elizabeth Knollys (cousin once removed of Elizabeth I) in 1578. They had two daughters, Elizabeth and Anne Leighton, and one son, the father's namesake Thomas Leighton (born 1584).
Sir Thomas Leighton was known by some as a bloodthirsty tyrant governor. During his time as governor he was however instrumental in developing the defensive capabilities of Castle Cornet. To achieve this he imposed heavy taxes on islanders, which was one of the reason he has been described in some circles as a tyrant. Despite being known as a tyrant he however was known as a great military strategist and he helped defend England against the attempted invasion by the Spanish Armada in 1588.[1]