Agnes Howard, Duchess of Norfolk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Agnes Tilney
Duchess of Norfolk
Born	c. 1477
Died	May 1545
Spouse(s)	Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk
Issue	William Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Effingham Lord Thomas Howard Lord Richard Howard Lady Dorothy Howard, Countess of Derby Lady Anne Howard, Countess of Oxford Lady Katherine Howard, Countess of Bridgewater Lady Elizabeth Howard
Father	Hugh Tilney
Mother	Eleanor, daughter of Walter Tailboys

Agnes Howard (born Tilney) lived from about 1477 to May 1545. She was the second wife of Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk. Agnes was a very important person in the royal court.

Two of King Henry VIII's queens were her step-granddaughters. These were Anne Boleyn and Katherine Howard. Catherine Howard even lived with Agnes after her own mother passed away.

Agnes also had a brother, Sir Philip Tilney. His grandson, Edmund Tilney, became the Master of the Revels. This was an important job for Queen Elizabeth and King James. He was in charge of royal entertainment.

Agnes's Marriage and Royal Connections

Agnes Tilney was born around 1477. Her father was Hugh Tilney. Her mother was Eleanor, daughter of Walter Tailboys.

Agnes's brother, Sir Philip Tilney, worked for Thomas Howard. Thomas was then known as the Earl of Surrey. He was married to Agnes's cousin, Elizabeth Tilney.

Elizabeth died in April 1497. Just four months later, Thomas and Agnes were married. This happened in August 1497. Agnes did not bring much wealth to the marriage.

A Change in Fortune

Thomas Howard's luck began to change after his marriage to Agnes. He had supported King Richard III. Because of this, he was not very popular with the new king, Henry VII, at first.

But in 1499, King Henry VII called Thomas back to court. The next year, Thomas went with the King on a trip to France. In 1501, he joined the King's special advisory group, the Privy Council. He also became the Lord High Treasurer, managing the King's money.

Thomas helped with important talks in 1501. These talks were about a marriage between Catherine of Aragon from Spain and Henry VII's son, Arthur, Prince of Wales. When Prince Arthur died in 1502, Thomas helped plan his funeral.

Royal Duties and Rewards

In 1503, Thomas escorted the King's daughter, Margaret Tudor, to Scotland. She was going there to marry King James IV. Agnes Howard was also part of this journey.

Agnes and her step-daughter, Muriel, even helped trim the Scottish king's beard! This happened on August 9, 1503. King James IV gave Agnes a special gift of gold fabric.

King Henry VII died on April 21, 1509. Thomas Howard helped carry out the late King's wishes. He also served as Earl Marshal at the crowning of King Henry VIII.

In 1513, a Scottish army invaded England. King Henry VIII was away in France at the time. Thomas Howard led the English forces. He bravely defeated the Scottish army at the Battle of Flodden Field.

This victory made Thomas very popular. The King rewarded him greatly. On February 1, 1514, Thomas was given the title of Duke of Norfolk. His son, also named Thomas, became the Earl of Surrey. They received land and money. The Howard family crest was even changed to honor the victory at Flodden.

Duchess at Court

As the Duchess of Norfolk, Agnes had an important role at court. She was the godmother to Princess Mary, King Henry VIII's daughter. Agnes also traveled with Princess Mary to France in 1520.

Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife, gave Agnes a special gift. It was a pendant shaped like the letter "A". It was decorated with diamonds and pearls. This was a New Year's Day gift.

By 1522, the Duke of Norfolk was almost 80 years old. His health was failing. He retired to his castle in Framlingham, Suffolk. He passed away on May 21, 1524.

His funeral was held on June 22. It was a very grand and expensive event. This showed how rich and powerful he was. He was buried at Thetford Priory.

Agnes as Dowager Duchess

After her husband died, Agnes was known as the Dowager Duchess. She remained in favor with the King. In 1526, rules for the Queen's household were set. These rules said Agnes had the highest rank after the King's sister, Mary Tudor.

On May 23, 1533, the King's marriage to Katherine of Aragon was declared invalid. King Henry VIII had secretly married Agnes's step-granddaughter, Anne Boleyn, earlier that year.

Anne was crowned Queen on June 1, 1533. The Dowager Duchess Agnes helped carry Anne's long dress during the crowning parade. Agnes was also a godmother at the christening of Anne's daughter, Princess Elizabeth.

Anne Boleyn's time as queen eventually ended. The King then married Jane Seymour. After Jane died, the King married Anne of Cleves. This marriage was later ended.

Then, another of Agnes's step-granddaughters, Catherine Howard, caught the King's eye. Henry and Catherine were married on July 28, 1540. The King was very fond of Catherine. He called her his "rose without a thorn." However, their marriage also came to an end.

Agnes's Death

The Dowager Duchess Agnes died in May 1545. She was buried on October 13 at St. Mary's Church in Lambeth, Surrey. Four of her sons who had died young were also buried there.

Her husband's tomb was moved after his monastery was closed in 1537. It might have been moved to Lambeth. However, no trace of his or Agnes's tomb could be found later on. The church itself was rebuilt much later.

Agnes's Children

Agnes and Thomas Howard had several children:

• William Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Effingham
• Lord Thomas Howard (1511–1537)
• John Howard (died March 23, 1503)
• Charles Howard (died May 3, 1512)
• Henry Howard (died February 22, 1513)
• Lord Richard Howard (died 1517)
• Lady Dorothy Howard, who married Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby
• Lady Anne Howard, who married John de Vere, 14th Earl of Oxford
• Lady Katherine Howard (died 1554), who married Rhys ap Gruffydd and later Henry Daubeney, 1st Earl of Bridgewater
• Lady Elizabeth Howard (died 1536), who married Henry Radclyffe, 2nd Earl of Sussex