27 May 2016

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On Tuesday 24 May Cllr Bob Mainstone, Town Mayor, attended the Choral evensong in commemoration of the life of Thomas Cure who died in 1588.

Thomas Cure was a very important person of Southwark, as a Member of Parliament and Master Sadler to Edward V1, Mary 1 and Elizabeth 1. He bequeathed land and property to Southwark and to this day residents benefit from his legacy. Today his legacy still provides almshouses and annual grants of £700,000 to support local groups.

The link to East Grinstead is that Thomas Cure was twice a Member of Parliament representing the town. He owned property between East Grinstead and Forest Row.

The Town Mayor was the first representative of East Grinstead to be invited to this annual commemoration and was accompanied by the Mayoress Cllr Christine Mainstone.

Bob commented, “This was a very special occasion as the link with East Grinstead has never been made before. We met members of Thomas Cure’s family who were interested in building a stronger relationship between Southwark and East Grinstead. Thomas Cure gave the town seal to East Grinstead in 1572 and the Mayor’s chain has a copy of the seal on its main link. I am working with our Town Museum to see what other information can be found about Thomas Cure and his local connection. Following the Evensong there was a reception where a special beer was sampled made in honour of Thomas Cure by a Southwark brewery.”

More information about the Charity www.ustsc.org.uk

Photo shows: 1. Cllr Bob Mainstone, Town Mayor, with members of Southwark Cathedral.

2 . Tomb of Thomas Cure