Sir Thomas Fleming (April 1544 – 7 August 1613) was an English judge and politician who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1581 and 1611.

[4] His progression within the legal profession was fast (possibly due to several personal connections with the monarch); he became a serjeant-at-law in 1594, and shortly afterwards became Recorder of London.

[2] Historians regard the Queen's decision as a pointed reminder to her courtiers, most of whom had lobbied hard for Bacon, that she had the ultimate power of patronage.

[8] He was elected MP for Southampton in 1601,[4] but his maiden speech on 20 November of that year was a disaster and Fleming broke down; he never addressed the House of Commons again.

John Bates, a merchant trading with Turkey, had refused to pay the unpopular tax on the import of currants.

[9] In 1607, on the death of Sir John Popham, Fleming was elevated to the post of Lord Chief Justice of England.

[2] The following year he obtained a Charter for Incorporation for Newport from the King, providing for the election of a Mayor instead of the historical appointed Bailiff.

[2] He was buried in St Nicolas Church, North Stoneham, where a stately monument[10][11] records the numerous successes of his career.

[2] Underneath is the following inscription: In most Assvred Hope of A Blessed Resvrection, Here Lyeth Interred ye Bodie of Sir Thomas Flemyng, Knight, Lord Chief Jvstice of England; Great Was His Learning, Many Were His Virtves.

All Which Places He Did Execvte With So Great Integrity, Justice & Discretion that Hys Lyfe Was Of All Good Men Desired, His Death Of All Lamented.

[2] They were married at St Thomas' Church, Newport, and lived at Carisbrooke Priory, the lease of which he purchased from the Secretary of State, Francis Walsingham.