Leading Figures

Lord Williams, whose life is described in the main gallery, was one of the most important people in Thame during this period, but there were several other noteworthy families.

The Dormer family were established wool merchants, living in North Street. They added a water garden to their estate, the remains of which survive at ‘The Moats’.

In 1572, Sir Francis Knollys, treasurer to the Household under Elizabeth I, erected a mansion in Thame High Street. It is possible that his house had wall paintings like the ones in this room, which were found in a house in Upper High Street.

Sir Francis Knollys, unknown artist, oil painting, 16th century, Greys Court Collection.
Francis Knollys built a house on Thame High Street. This site was later occupied by the Girls’ Grammar School and, most recently, the Co-Op supermarket.