Thomas Holte

Who was Thomas Holte?

Sir Thomas Holte, 1st Baronet was the original owner of Aston Hall, the man after whom the Holte End stand of Villa Park is named, and the possessor of quite a legendary temper.

He was born the son of Edward and Dorothy Holte of the Manor House, Duddeston, Warwickshire. The Holtes were a wealthy, land-owning family of some importance in Warwickshire. Their ancestors had owned land in the area for several hundred years and it had been considerably added to with the acquisition of monastic land during the Reformation. The Holtes served as High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Justices of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenants for the county. They had influential friends and relatives both locally and in London. His father died when Thomas was only 21, and as his successor Thomas did much to further the family fortunes.

In 1599 he himself served as High Sheriff of Warwickshire. He received a knighthood in 1603 from James I as the King made his way from Scotland to London to claim his throne. In 1612 Sir Thomas was able to buy the title of baronet. Sir Thomas now outranked all the local families and felt a grander home should be built to reflect both his wealth and status.