Sir Thomas Woollaston White, 1st Baronet

Thomas Woollaston White (died 28 October 1817) was the eldest son and heir of Taylor and Sarah White. Prior to inheriting his father’s substantial estate and fortune, he occupied himself primarily with the army and militia. In 1789 he was a lieutenant in the 4th Light Dragoons.

When it appeared that an invasion of England by Napoleon was imminent Thomas twice raised, quartered, fed, clothed and armed a force of volunteers to help defend the nation. King George III heard of these deeds and offered to share half of the cost from his privy purse, as he saw this as too much a burden for a private gentleman to bear. Thomas declined His Majesty’s generous offer, saying that he considered it the duty of every loyal gentleman to assist to the utmost of his means at such a crisis. He was subsequently rewarded by the King with a Baronetcy being conferred upon him on 20 December 1802. Thomas was subsequently known as Sir Thomas White, Bt. of Tuxford and Wallingwells.

When the corps was raised, a barrack was erected in Wallingwells Park. Some trees still stand which formed the corners of it. An oak tree is also shown at the side of the drive to Langold, in which a platform was erected. On this a sentry was posted day and night to watch for the lighting of the beacon on Gringley Hill, near Gainsborough, as a signal of the landing of the French. Two horses in the stable were kept constantly saddled, in readiness to send out to assemble the men. When the French camp at Boulogne was broken up and all fear of an invasion was past, the English Government decided to test through some part of the country the popular feeling, and to see whether there would be a general rising of the people. With this object they caused several beacons to be lighted, amongst which was Gringley. The alarm soon spread; the men of Sir Thomas’ regiment assembled at Wallingwells at once, and were marched to Doncaster, the place of rendezvous. Here they learnt that the French had not landed, and after Sir Thomas had treated them to breakfast and given them a guinea a piece - he dismissed them to their homes.

The corps raised by Sir Thomas eventually became what is today known as ‘S’ Squadron (Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry Cavalry), The Royal Yeomanry.

Sir Thomas was at the same time Colonel of the 3rd Nottinghamshire Militia.

As well as his military life, Thomas was a keen sportsman and kept a substantial stable and hawking establishment at Wallingwells. These met most days of the week and his house was renowned for its hospitality.

On 3 January 1801 Thomas married Elizabeth Blagg, daughter of W. Blagg of Tuxford. They had 11 children, of whom 7 died young.

  1. Thomas Woollaston, his heir, 3 October 1801 – 7 August 1882
  2. Sarah, 27 November 1802 – 3 February 1810
  3. Anne, 15 June 1804 – 12 August 1804
  4. Taylor, 9 June 1805 – 8 June 1853
  5. Anne, 15 June 1807 – 11 October 1874
  6. Lydia, 2 April 1809 – 6 February 1810
  7. Frances, 2 April 1809 – 11 February 1810
  8. Sarah, 24 January 1811 – 4 January 1879
  9. Lydia, 4 May 1814 – 12 November 1827
  10. Charles Lawrence, 30 April 1815 – 30 July 1818
  11. Frances, 17 June 1816 – 12 April 1817

Sir Thomas died of heart disease after an hour’s illness on 28 October 1817. He was buried in the new vault in the White Chapel at Tuxford Church. His widow, Elizabeth lived until her death on 16 July 1850 at Tuxford Hall.