Thomas Button
Thomas Button was a notable figure in early 17th-century maritime exploration and naval service, though much of his early life remains obscure. He was the fourth son of Miles and Margaret Button and likely joined the British navy around 1588. He gained recognition for his actions during the Spanish invasion of Ireland in 1601, commanding the Queen’s pinnacle, Moon, and later undertook privateering voyages to the West Indies. In 1612, he embarked on a significant exploration expedition under the North West Company, where he aimed to uncover the fate of the explorer Henry Hudson and navigate towards the Northwest Passage.
During this voyage, Button explored regions that would become part of Hudson Bay and named several geographical features, including the Nelson River. Despite his accomplishments, he faced financial hardships due to disputes over naval pay and pension, leading to impoverishment later in life. Button was knighted in 1616 and held the position of Admiral of the King's Ships on the Coast of Ireland until his death in 1634. He is often credited as one of the first Europeans to reach what is now Manitoba, yet his contributions to exploration have been regarded by some historians as underappreciated. Button’s legacy includes a family with connections to notable figures, although the specifics of his death and burial remain unknown.
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Subject Terms
Thomas Button
Captain, Admiral
- Born: c. 1565
- Birthplace: St Lythans, United Kingdom
- Died: April 1, 1634
- Place of death: Unknown
Significance: Discovered the Hudson Bay. The stories and experiences from Button’s expeditions helped later explorers in their voyages beyond the Hudson Bay.
Background
Thomas Button’s date and place of birth is unknown. He was the fourth son of Miles Button and Margaret Miles Button of Worlenton. His father served as the sheriff of Glamorgan and his mother was the daughter of Edward Lewis of Van from Caerphilly, Glamorganshire. Very little of Thomas Button’s childhood and early career is known. His correspondence in later years suggests he joined the British navy around 1588.
During the Spanish invasion of Ireland in 1601, Button was the captain of Queen’s pinnacle, Moon. For his gallant actions at the siege of Kinsale he was not only commended but also awarded a noteworthy pension. In 1602, Button commanded Wylloby, owned by fellow Welshman Sir Robert Mansel. He sailed Wylloby to the West Indies for privateering raids. In 1612, he set out on what would be one of his most remembered voyages and what would earn him the title of an explorer. In 1612, he was made a member of North West Company and two ships, Resolution and Discovery were placed under his command.
Life’s Work
On July 26, 1612 the Company of Merchants Discoverers of the North-West was granted its charter. Along with Button, there was Robert Bylot who had previous sailing experience with Henry Hudson. Though not included in the official, written instructions, one of the purposes of this expedition was to enquire after Henry Hudson and discover what had happened to him. Mathematician Edward Wright, who was tutor to James I’s eldest son, Prince Henry, drew Button’s instructions. The official instructions were for him to observe and report on the tides and find the Northwest passage.
Button pierced through the waters to enter the Hudson Straits and named the island at the entrance Resolution Island after his own vessel. From there he sailed in a southwest direction to what is today known as Hudson Bay. Sailing onward from Hudson Bay, Button reached a point where his course was blocked by the shore of the western bay. Button called this landfall Hope Checkt. Sailing southwards, the entire company was hit by a brutal winter. The crew wintered at the mouth of a river. Robert Nelson, the Resolution’s master, was among the many men who died that winter. Button named the river the Nelson River in his honor. When spring came, Button and his men left the place they called New Wales and pressed on to explore in the north.
Button reached the northernmost point in his journey in July in the channel which came to be named Sir Thomas Roe’s Welcome. Believing he was embayed, Button turned to the south. In August, the expedition reached an island, which Button named for his friend Mansel. At this point, Button and what was left of the company reluctantly returned home. The journal that Button kept through this voyage was lost.
In 1615, Button participated in operations against the rebels of Scotland. His skills at sea earned him a knighthood from King James I in 1616. Button went on to become an Admiral. He was given the title of Admiral of the King’s Ships on the Coast of Ireland and he kept this title to the end of his life.
While serving as Rear Admiral in 1621, he participated in the attack of the headquarters of the Barbary pirates of Algiers. Button was one of the few who emerged with some credit from a mission, which was not entirely a success. He later went on to be appointed to the King’s Council of War. At the time of his service, corruption was prevalent in the navy. Exposing this corruption drew anger of the Navy Board towards Button. The board retaliated with a few charges against him that included misconduct, neglect of duty, and fraudulent appropriation of prizes. These charges were later dismissed.
What brought most harm to Button’s life and what would accompany him to his grave was his impoverishment. There were disputes over how much an Admiral was entitled to be paid for his services and his pension. This led to him not being paid properly by the Navy. Despite his achievements and the place he held among the Admiral office, he could not find a resolution to his financial situation. This, combined with his existing debt, left him impoverished for the last few years of his life.
Impact
Button commanded the Resolution and Discovery to discover Mansel Island and secured the west coast of Hudson Bay for England. He is said to be the first person to have led Europeans to Manitoba. Some historians feel Button has not been given the credit that is due to him
Personal Life
Thomas Button married Mary, the daughter of Sir Walter Rice of Dynevor, Carms. They had three sons and one daughter. His eldest son Miles was married to Barbara, the daughter and heiress of Rhys Meurug of Cottrell, Glamorgan. It is said that Button spent his last few years at Duffryn House, Glamorganshire in Wales. He died in the month of April during the year 1634. His actual place of death and his burial is unknown.
Miles, his eldest son tried to dispute the nonpayment of his father’s pension but he was not successful.
Bibliography
Eames, Aled. "Button, Sir Thomas." Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Vol. 1. University of Toronto, 1979. Web. 3 March 2016. <http://www.biographi.ca/en/bio/button‗thomas‗1E.html>.
Goldsborough, Gordon. "Memorable Manitobans: Thomas Button (?–1634)." The Manitoba Historical Society. Manitoba Historical Society, 10 Dec. 2011. Web. 3 March 2016. <http://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/button‗t.shtml>.
Harris, Josiah. Direct Route Through the North-West Territories of Canada to the Pacific Ocean. London: Spottiswoode, 1897. Print.
"Sir Thomas Button." Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica Online. Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2016. Web. 3 March 2016. <http://www.britannica.com/biography/Thomas-Button>.