Edward Stafford, 4th Baron Stafford facts for kids

Edward Stafford, 4th Baron Stafford (1572 – 16 September 1625), was an important English nobleman. He lived during a time when England was ruled by kings and queens like Elizabeth I and James I. Edward inherited his title from his father, becoming the 4th Baron Stafford.

Edward Stafford's Life

Edward Stafford was born in 1572. His father was Edward Stafford, 3rd Baron Stafford. His mother was Mary Stanley. She was the daughter of Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby. When his father passed away in 1603, Edward became the 4th Baron Stafford.

He married Isabel Forster. She was the daughter of Thomas Forster from Tong, Shropshire. Edward Stafford continued his family's support for a group of traveling actors. This group was known as the Lord Stafford's Company. They performed plays and were active until at least 1617.

Family and Legacy

Edward Stafford had one son, also named Edward (born in 1602). Sadly, his son Edward passed away on April 6, 1621, before his father. This younger Edward had married Ann Wilford. She was the daughter of James Wilford. Edward and Ann had two children:

• Mary Stafford, who married Sir William Howard. He was the younger son of Thomas, Earl of Arundel.
• Henry Stafford, 5th Baron Stafford (born September 24, 1621). Henry was born after his father had passed away.

When his grandfather, the 4th Baron, died in 1625, Henry inherited the title. He became the 5th Baron Stafford. Later, in 1637, Henry's distant cousin, Roger Stafford, 6th Baron Stafford, gave up the barony. Because of this, Mary Stafford and her husband, Sir William Howard, were given new titles. On September 12, 1640, they became Baron and Baroness Stafford. Two months later, William was also made Viscount Stafford.