Thomas Smythe (died 1591)
| Thomas Smythe | |
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Thomas 'Customer' Smythe
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| Born | 1522 |
| Died | 7 June 1591 |
| Buried | Ashford, Kent |
| Spouse(s) | Alice Judde |
Issue
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| Father | John Smythe |
| Mother | Joan Brouncker |
Thomas Smythe or Smith of London, Ashford and Westenhanger, Kent, (1522–1591) was the collector of customs duties (also known as a "customer") in London during the Tudor period, and a Member of Parliament for five English constituencies. His son and namesake, Sir Thomas Smythe (died 1625), was the first governor of the East India Company, treasurer of the Virginia Company, and an active supporter of the Virginia colony.
Thomas Smythe, born in 1522, was the second son of John Smythe (d. 1538) and Joan Brouncker, the daughter of Robert Brouncker of Melksham, Wiltshire. John, a substantial yeoman and clothier of Corsham, Wiltshire, left Smythe a farm in the Hundred of Amesbury, Wiltshire, that provided an annual income of £20. After his father's death, Smythe moved to London to seek his fortune; Smythe was approximately 16 at the time.
Smythe joined his father's merchant guild, the Haberdashers, and then the Worshipful Company of Skinners. In 1550, Smythe developed a close connection with Sir Andrew Judde, Lord Mayor of London. About four years later, Smythe married Judde's daughter, Alice Judde.
During the reign of Mary I of England, Smythe purchased the Office of the Customs from one Mr. Cocker for £2,500. He was confirmed in his appointment at the Customs on the accession of Elizabeth I in 1558, and he continued in the office for 11 years. In 1567, he appears to have incurred her Majesty's severe displeasure, having been accused of issuing privy warrants leading to a £6,000 loss; his friend William Cecil, Lord Burghley, intervened and helped Smythe escape imprisonment. Cecil persuaded the Queen to be lenient, arguing that if Smythe was allowed more time he would repay this loss.
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