Thomas Gardiner

Thomas Gardiner (fl. 1507-1542), was a monk of Westminster Abbey who wrote a chronicle of English history from Brutus of Britain to the seventh year of Henry VIII, entitled The Flowers of England. The only manuscript, which is among the Cotton MSS. (Otho C. vi.), was badly damaged by fire. He also wrote a genealogical roll of Tudor ancestry.

Life Gardiner may be identical to the Thomas Gardiner who was the son of Helen Tudor, illegitimate daughter of Jasper Tudor. She married a London businessman named William Gardiner. Helen's son Thomas is known to have entered Westminster Abbey as a monk.

Gardiner seems to have studied at Oxford and Cambridge universities. Henry VII appointed Gardiner Prior of Blythe in 1507. He later became Prior of Tynemouth. On his return to Westminster he became a priest in the king's chantry. This was presented to the king in 1542. which he was.