John in LaMesa informs that another Thomas lived in Sussex. The following from Patent Rolls might add data. Thomas has ties to Gloucestershire and is an official of the realm for Sussex. He has land, power and money. “Keeper of the peace for Sussex Thomas Carpenter” (Patent 1554) “Grant in fee, in consideration of 513 L. 2s paid to the queen’s councillor, Edward Peckham knight, to her use, to Thomas Carpenter and William Savage, gentlemen, of the lordship and manor of Stowe co. Gloucester…… also rights to manor of Bounhill in Gloucester”. (Patent, May 26, 1554) “Liscense for 3L. 6s. 10d. in the hanaper to John Waters and Thomas Carpenter to grant their manor of Byburge co. Glouster”. (Patent, 1554) “Thomas Carpenter and William Savage, gentlemen, to grant the site and capital messuage of the monestary of Lantheram co. Monmouth”. (Patent, May 28, 1554) This line of Carpenters is clearly doing very well. His prosperity would be in keeping with his closer proximity to the main line of Carpenters and their money. The other Carpenters, like the Marden Carpenters, would be better described as “Churchmouse Carpenters”. Sincerely, Bruce Carpenter