Sir Thomas Spring (1474–1523), also known as Thomas Spring III, was an English merchant in Suffolk during the early 1500s.[1] He lived in Lavenham, Suffolk. He had inherited the Spring family cloth business from his father, also Thomas Spring. During Spring’s lifetime, the cloth trade was at its most profitable. By the time of his death, Spring was believed to be the richest man in England outside the nobility, having invested much of his money in land.[2]
In 1512, 1513 and 1517 his name appears as one of the commissioners for collecting taxation in Suffolk. Spring played a large part in defeating supporters of William de la Pole, 1st Duke of Suffolk, who claimed the throne from Henry VII. However in 1517, under the reign of Henry VIII, Thomas was given exemption from his public duties. At this point, he was probably at the height of his wealth.
Spring is mentioned in Skelton's satirical poem "Why come ye not to Court" with a reference to the 'rich clothier', with whom Skelton is said to have been friends. He writes:
"Now nothing, but pay pay with laughe and lay downe Borough, Citie and towne good Springe of Lanam must count what became of his clothe makyng. My Lordes grace will bryng down thys hye Springe and brynge it so lowe it shal not ever flow."
Sir Thomas married Anna King in 1493 and togther they had five children[3]:
Spring was knighted by Henry VII.[4] He is buried in the Spring family parclose in Lavenham church.