Edward Somerset, 4th Earl of Worcester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Somerset
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| Earl of Worcester | |
Portrait by Gilbert Jackson
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| Lord Privy Seal | |
| Tenure | 1616 - 1625 |
| Predecessor | Robert Carr, 1st Earl of Somerset |
| Successor | Sir John Coke |
| Born | circa 1550 |
| Died | 3 March 1628 |
| Noble family | House of Beaufort |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Hastings, Countess of Worcester |
| Issue | Henry Somerset, 5th Earl of Worcester Thomas Somerset, 1st Viscount Somerset Catherine Somerset Blanche Somerset Frances Somerset |
| Father | William Somerset, 3rd Earl of Worcester |
| Mother | Christiana North |
Edward Somerset, the 4th Earl of Worcester (born around 1550 – died 3 March 1628), was an important English nobleman. He was a trusted advisor to King James I of England. He also held a high position called the Lord Privy Seal, which meant he was in charge of the King's personal seal used on important documents.
Edward was the only son of William Somerset, the 3rd Earl of Worcester, and Christiana North. He became the Earl of Worcester on 21 February 1589, taking over from his father.
In 1590, Edward travelled to Scotland to meet King James VI of Scotland (who later became James I of England). He congratulated the King on his safe return from Denmark and his marriage to Anne of Denmark. Edward also told King James that he was invited to join the Order of the Garter, a very special group of knights.
In 1593, Edward himself became a Knight of the Garter. He once mentioned that Queen Elizabeth I enjoyed country dances and Irish music in her private rooms.
In 1606, Edward was put in charge of the Great Park. This was a large hunting park created by King Henry VIII near Nonsuch Palace. A part of this area is now known as Worcester Park. A house called Worcester Park House was built there in 1607.
Edward Somerset's Family Life
Edward Somerset married Lady Elizabeth Hastings on 16 December 1571. Their wedding was a big event at Whitehall Palace, held at the same time as two other noble weddings. Elizabeth was the daughter of Francis Hastings, the 2nd Earl of Huntingdon.
Edward and Elizabeth had fifteen children together. Their children included:
- William Somerset, who sadly died young before his father.
- Henry Somerset, who became the 5th Earl of Worcester after his father. He was later given an even higher title, the 1st Marquess of Worcester.
- Thomas Somerset, 1st Viscount Somerset, who was given the title of Viscount Somerset in 1626.
- Lady Anne Somerset, who married Sir Edward Wynter.
- Lady Catherine Somerset, who married Thomas Windsor, the 6th Baron Windsor.
- Lady Blanche Somerset, who married Thomas Arundell, the 2nd Baron Arundell of Wardour.
- Lady Frances Somerset, who married William Morgan. She was the great-great-grandmother of the famous American pioneer, Daniel Boone.
- Sir Charles Somerset, who was a traveller and writer.
- Lady Elizabeth Somerset, who married Sir Henry Guildford.
- Lady Katherine Somerset, who married William Petre, the 2nd Baron Petre.
In 1610, four of Edward's daughters took part in a special court play called Tethys' Festival. They danced as nymphs (spirits) representing rivers from Monmouthshire. Lady Catherine Windsor was the "Nymph of Usk", Lady Katherine Petre was the "Nymph of Olwy", Lady Elizabeth Guildford was the "Nymph of Dulesse", and Lady Mary Wintour was the "Nymph of Wye".
Edward Somerset is buried in his family's chapel at the Church of St Cadoc, Raglan, Monmouthshire.
Images for kids
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Portrait of Edward Somerset by Gilbert Jackson.
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The family crest of Edward Somerset, 4th Earl of Worcester.
