Edward Clinton, 1st Earl of Lincoln facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Lincoln
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| Lord High Admiral | |
| In office 1550–1554 |
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| Monarch | Edward VI, Mary I |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Warwick |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Howard of Effingham |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1512 Manor of Scrivelsby, Lincolnshire, England |
| Died | 16 January 1584/85 London, England |
| Spouses | Elizabeth Blount Ursula Stourton Elizabeth FitzGerald |
| Parents |
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Edward Fiennes, also known as Edward Clinton, was an important English nobleman and military leader. He was born in 1512 and died on January 16, 1585. He served four different English rulers from the Tudor family: King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, Queen Mary I, and Queen Elizabeth I.
Edward Clinton held the important role of Lord High Admiral. This meant he was in charge of the entire English navy. He was also made a Knight of the Garter, which is a very special honor.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Edward Clinton was born in a place called Scrivelsby in Lincolnshire, England. His father was Thomas Clinton, who was the 8th Baron Clinton. His mother was Jane Poynings. Edward's father passed away in 1517 when Edward was only five years old.
Because he was so young, Edward became a "royal ward." This meant the King's court looked after him and his inheritance until he was old enough. By 1530, he married Elizabeth Blount, who had previously been involved with King Henry VIII.
Military and Political Career
Edward Clinton had a long and active career serving his country. He was involved in many important events during the Tudor period.
Serving King Henry VIII
In 1532, Edward Clinton joined King Henry VIII in France, visiting the towns of Boulogne and Calais. He became a member of the House of Lords in 1536.
He later served in the Royal Navy, fighting against French and Scottish ships between 1544 and 1547. He was knighted in Edinburgh in 1544 after helping to capture the city. He also took part in the Siege of Boulogne in 1544. In 1545, he fought against the French navy at the Battle of Spithead. The next year, he was sent to France to help make peace.
Actions in Scotland
In August 1547, Clinton led a fleet of twelve ships to Scotland. His goal was to support English forces and stop the French from helping the Scots. He captured Broughty Castle on September 24 and made it stronger with the help of an Italian engineer.
Clinton also commanded the English fleet during a major invasion of Scotland. He provided naval support at the Battle of Pinkie in September 1547. In August 1548, he sailed into the Firth of Forth and attacked French and Scottish ships. He also landed 500 men to burn ships in the harbor of Burntisland.
Governor of Boulogne and Lord High Admiral
In 1547, Edward Clinton was made Governor of Boulogne. He successfully defended the city when the French tried to take it back from 1549 to 1550.
In 1550, he became the Lord High Admiral for King Edward VI. He held this position until 1553. He was also a Privy Counsellor, advising the King. He briefly served as an envoy (a special messenger) to France in 1551.
Later, he helped defeat Wyatt's Rebellion in 1554, which was an uprising against Queen Mary I. In 1557, he commanded English forces that supported the Spanish at the Battle of Saint Quentin in France. After returning to England, he led the English fleet in raiding the French coast and burning the town of Le Conquet in 1558.
Later Years and Honors
When Queen Elizabeth I came to the throne, Edward Clinton was again appointed Lord High Admiral in 1559. He held this important role until his death.
In 1570, he helped command a large army during the Northern Rebellion, though the rebellion was defeated before his army was fully ready. In 1572, Queen Elizabeth I gave him the title of Earl of Lincoln. He also served as an ambassador to France, carrying out several important tasks for the Queen.
Edward Clinton is remembered for making an important change to the navy. He helped set up a separate Court of Admiralty in Ireland, which was a special court for naval matters.
After the dissolution of the monasteries in England, Edward Clinton and his second wife, Ursula, received lands that once belonged to the Knights Templar at Aslackby in Lincolnshire.
Marriages and Children
Edward Clinton was married three times and had several children.
- His first wife was Elizabeth Blount (who died in 1539). They had three daughters:
- Lady Bridget Clinton (born around 1536).
- Lady Katherine Clinton (born around 1538).
- Lady Margaret Clinton (born around 1539).
- His second wife was Ursula Stourton. They had five children:
- Henry Clinton, 2nd Earl of Lincoln (1540–1616), who became his main heir.
- Lady Anne Clinton (1542–1629).
- Thomas Clinton (1548–1610).
- Lady Frances Clinton (1552–1623).
- Lady Elizabeth Clinton (1554–1634).
- His third wife was Elizabeth FitzGerald, whom he married in 1552. They did not have any children together.
Death
Edward Clinton died in London on January 16, 1585.
