Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Charles Somerset
Earl of Worcester
Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester holding white staff of Lord Chamberlain of the Household to King Henry VIII
Born	1460
Died	15 March 1526 (aged 65–66)
Noble family	Beaufort
Spouse(s)	Elizabeth Herbert, 3rd Baroness Herbert Elizabeth West Eleanor Sutton
Issue	Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester Elizabeth Somerset Charles Somerset George Somerset Mary Somerset, Baroness Grey de Wilton
Father	Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset
Mother	Joan Hill

Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester (around 1460 – 15 March 1526) was an important English nobleman and politician. He was the recognized son of Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset, and his mother was Joan Hill.

Who was Charles Somerset?

Charles Somerset was a powerful figure in England during the time of King Henry VIII. He held many important positions and was a trusted advisor to the King.

Early Life

Charles Somerset was born around the year 1460. He was the son of Henry Beaufort, 3rd Duke of Somerset, and Joan Hill.

His Important Career

Around 1496, Charles Somerset became a Knight of the Garter. This was a very special honor given by the King.

In 1492, when he got married, he was given the title Baron Herbert. This title came from his wife's family. Later, in 1506, he was given another title: Baron Herbert of Ragland, Chepstow and Gower.

Helping King Henry VIII

On 1 February 1514, Charles Somerset was given the title Earl of Worcester. This made him an even more important person in the kingdom.

He also became the Lord Chamberlain of the Household for King Henry VIII. This meant he was a very important helper and manager for the King's royal household.

As Lord Chamberlain, Charles Somerset was in charge of planning big events. He helped organize the famous Field of Cloth of Gold in 1520. This was a huge meeting between King Henry VIII of England and King Francis I of France.

Family Life

Charles Somerset was married three times. Here are his wives and children:

• First, on 2 June 1492, he married Elizabeth Herbert, 3rd Baroness Herbert. She passed away before March 1513. Because of this marriage, he became Lord Herbert.
  • Their only son was Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester. He inherited his father's titles.
  • Their only daughter was Elizabeth Somerset. She married Sir John Savage and then Sir William Brereton.

• His second marriage was to Elizabeth West. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas West, 8th Baron De La Warr. Some historians think this marriage might not have happened.
  • They supposedly had two sons, Sir Charles Somerset and Sir George Somerset.
  • They also supposedly had a daughter, Lady Mary Somerset of Worcester. She married William Grey, 13th Baron Grey de Wilton and then Robert Carre.

• His third marriage was to Eleanor Sutton. She was the daughter of Edward Sutton, 2nd Lord Dudley.

Death and Burial

Charles Somerset passed away on 15 March 1526. He was buried next to his first wife at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Coat of Arms

A coat of arms is a special design that represents a family or a person. Charles Somerset's coat of arms showed his family's symbols. It also included symbols from his first wife's family, the Herberts. The symbol of the Order of the Garter surrounded his shield.

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  Garter stall plate of Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester. It shows his coat of arms.

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  The coat of arms of Sir Charles Somerset, 1st Earl of Worcester. It shows his family's symbols and his wife's family symbols.

Family tree