Edward Denny, 1st Earl of Norwich facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Edward Denny, 1st Earl of Norwich
Arms of Edward Denny, 1st Earl of Norwich: Gules, a saltire argent between twelve crosses pattee or.
Born	15 August 1569
Died	24 October 1637
Title	Earl of Norwich
Tenure	17 October 1626 – 24 October 1637
Nationality	English
Residence	Abbey House
Spouse(s)	Lady Mary Cecil
Issue	Honora Denny, Countess of Carlisle
Parents	Henry Denny, Dean of Chester Honora Grey

Edward Denny, 1st Earl of Norwich (born August 15, 1569 – died October 24, 1637) was an important English nobleman. He was known as The Lord Denny for many years. Edward Denny worked for the royal court. He was also a Member of Parliament and a peer. A peer is a person who holds a high rank in the nobility.

Life of Edward Denny

Edward Denny was the son of Henry Denny. Henry was the eldest son of Sir Anthony Denny. Edward started studying at St John's College, Cambridge in 1585. His mother was Honora Grey. She was the daughter of William Grey, 13th Baron Grey de Wilton.

Edward Denny became a knight in 1587. This meant he was given a special title by the King or Queen. In 1603, he held the job of High Sheriff of Hertfordshire. This was a very important local government role. In this role, he welcomed the Scottish King James I to England.

In 1604, Edward Denny was a Member of Parliament for Essex. A Member of Parliament helps make laws for the country. Later that year, on October 27, 1604, he became a peer. He was given the title Baron Denny of Waltham.

Around 1590 to 1600, Denny built a large house called Abbey House. It was built where Waltham Abbey used to be. The land had been owned by his family for a long time. Most of the old abbey buildings were taken down. But the church remained and was used by the local people. Abbey House was located just north-east of the church. The house itself was later taken down in 1770.

On October 17, 1626, Edward Denny received an even higher title. He was made the Earl of Norwich.

Family

Edward Denny married Lady Mary Cecil. Her father was Thomas Cecil, 1st Earl of Exeter. Edward and Mary had one child, a daughter. Her name was Lady Honora Denny. She later married James Hay, 1st Earl of Carlisle.

Death and Burial

Edward Denny passed away on October 24, 1637. He was buried in Waltham Abbey. A special message was placed on his tomb. It described him like this:

Learn, curious reader, ere you pass,
What Sir Edward Denny was:
A courtier in the chamber,
A soldier in the field,
Whose tongue could never flatter,
Whose heart could never yield.

This message tells us he was a loyal person. He was brave and honest.