Which conspirator was a servant to Robert Catesby?

Thomas Bates was a servant and retainer to Robert Catesby.

Bates was born at Lapworth in Warwickshire and worked for the Catesby family. He lived with his wife on the Catesby estate and was regarded as a loyal and devoted servant. His position gave him access to Catesby’s movements, which eventually led him to suspect that his master was involved in a dangerous scheme.

Catesby and Thomas Wintour eventually revealed the Gunpowder Plot to Bates in December 1604. He became the seventh conspirator recruited to the plan to blow up the House of Lords and provoke a Catholic uprising. Bates later rode with Catesby and other plotters during their failed attempt to raise support in the Midlands.

Bates was not among the four conspirators killed in the confrontation at Holbeche House. He left before the government assault, was captured later and taken to London. Convicted of high treason, he was hanged, drawn and quartered on 30 January 1606. Everard Digby, Ambrose Rookwood and John Grant were conspirators, but none was Catesby’s servant.