Thomas Cookes

Sir Thomas Cookes, 2nd Baronet (bap. 1648 – 8 June 1701) is known as a benefactor of Worcester College, Oxford and Bromsgrove School.

He was the eldest son of Sir William Cookes, 1st Baronet, of Norgrove Court, Worcestershire, and his second wife, Mercy, née Dinely. He began his studies at Pembroke College, Oxford in June 1667, going on to Lincoln's Inn in June 1669. Following the death of his father, he succeeded to the baronetcy in July 1672, His seat was Bentley Pauncefote at Tardebigge, Worcestershire.

Both of Cookes's marriages were without issue. He died on 8 June 1701 and was buried next to his first wife in Tardebigge church on 10 June.

In 1693 Cookes endowed Bromsgrove School. In his will, he then left £10,000 in trust to endow a new college at the University of Oxford, or to add to an existing foundation there. Priority for acceptance should be for students from Bromsgrove School, Feckenham, and his relatives.

Negotiations had begun in Cookes's lifetime, with Thomas Tenison prompting him in 1698. With the prospect of endowment for an Oxford college, Benjamin Woodroffe, Principal of Gloucester Hall, had earlier gained a charter of incorporation and laid down statutes for the new college; but Cookes did not like its terms.James Butler, 2nd Duke of Ormonde as Oxford's Chancellor made clear to Cookes in early 1700 that he favoured Balliol College as recipient; and Roger Mander the Vice-Chancellor moved to implement Ormonde's wish.John Baron, Balliol's Master, made representations for the endowment.

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