 He served Henry II, and in 1188 was one of the agents tasked with ensuring the return of normal religious service in Canterbury after a dispute between the Archbishop and local monks, with Henry rewarding him for his work with lands in Artington, Surrey.After Henry died in 1189 Thurnham served his son and successor, Richard I, with the same loyalty and skill.In 1190 he accompanied Richard on the Third Crusade, visiting Jerusalem in 1192, and in 1193 he escorted Queen Berengaria, Joan of England and the Damsel of Cyprus on their journey from Palestine to Rome.