Thomas Trowbridge Sr., born in 1482 in Brushford, Crediton, Devonshire, England, came into a world on the cusp of transitioning from medieval feudalism to the early modern period. His parents, John Trowbridge and Alice Reed, were part of a family with deep roots in Devonshire, tracing their lineage back to the reign of Edward I. Thomas, alongside his sister Alice, grew up in a society where one’s birthplace often determined their future.

In 1510, Thomas married Anne Peck in Brushford, Somerset, England. This union was a reflection of the social norms and expectations of the time. Together, they had five sons – John, Thomas Jr., Richard, Sir William, and an unnamed son – and a daughter, Joan. The Trowbridge family, residing in the rural landscapes of Somerset and Devonshire, would have been primarily engaged in agriculture, the backbone of the English economy during this period.

Thomas’s life unfolded during the reign of the Tudor monarchs, a time of significant social and political change in England. The early 16th century was marked by the aftermath of the War of the Roses, the rise of the Tudor dynasty, and the beginnings of the English Reformation. As a resident of Somerset and Devonshire, Thomas would have witnessed the gradual shift from a feudal society to a more centralized state under the Tudor monarchs.

The socio-economic status of the Trowbridge family likely shielded them from the harshest forms of discrimination prevalent in those times. However, as commoners, they would have been subject to the whims of local nobility and the broader political and religious upheavals of the era, such as the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII, which profoundly impacted the social fabric of their community.

Thomas’s work life, centered around agriculture and managing family lands, would have been dictated by the seasons and the need to sustain his family. The agrarian lifestyle was challenging, with long hours of physical labor, but it also fostered a close-knit community bound by shared experiences and mutual dependence.

Taunton, England, where Thomas eventually settled, was a bustling market town in 1482, under the rule of King Richard III. It was a diverse and vibrant community, home to people from different backgrounds, including Anglo-Saxons, Normans, and Celts. This cultural diversity was evident in its markets and the variety of languages spoken on its streets.

Religion played a central role in Taunton, with several churches, including St. Mary Magdalene Church, being the main places of worship. Christianity dominated, but there was also a small Jewish community with their own synagogue. The town’s economy thrived on trade and commerce, thanks to its location on the River Tone. The weekly market was a hub of activity, and agriculture was a significant part of the local economy, alongside craftsmen like weavers and blacksmiths.

Thomas Trowbridge Sr. passed away on April 18, 1548, in Taunton, Somerset, England. His 66-year life was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the English commoner in changing times. He was laid to rest in Taunton, leaving behind a legacy that continued through his children and subsequent generations. In conclusion, Taunton in 1482 was a dynamic, diverse, and thriving market town, reflecting the rich tapestry of England’s history during Thomas Trowbridge Sr.’s lifetime.