Thomas Gawdy (died 1588)

Thomas Gawdy (died 1588) was an English judge and Member of Parliament. Born into the Gawdy family of Norfolk, he trained in law and rose through the ranks to become a Justice of the Queen's Bench.

Gawdy was admitted to the Inner Temple and served as a Member of Parliament for various Norfolk constituencies, including Norfolk itself. His legal career progressed steadily; he became a Serjeant-at-Law in 1577 and was appointed a Justice of the Queen’s Bench in 1579, a position he held until his death.

He was known for his legal acumen and integrity. His judgements were generally regarded as fair and well-reasoned. He married twice. His first wife was Etheldreda (Audrey), daughter of William Knightley of Norwich, and his second wife was Anne Bassingbourne. He had several children, including Thomas Gawdy, a later Member of Parliament. Thomas Gawdy (died 1588) is not to be confused with his namesake nephew, also Thomas Gawdy, who became a Justice of the Common Pleas.