Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby facts for kids
Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby (born around May 10, 1509 – died October 24, 1572) was an important English nobleman and politician. He inherited his father's title as the Lord of Mann, which is like being the ruler of the Isle of Man, and held this position until his death. After him, his son took over.
His Early Years
Edward Stanley became the Earl of Derby when he was only thirteen years old. This meant he inherited his father's important titles and lands. Because he was so young, King Henry VIII became responsible for his upbringing and affairs until Edward was old enough to manage them himself. Important people, like Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, helped oversee his business.
When he was older, Edward began to take part in important events. In 1528, he traveled to France with Cardinal Wolsey for a special trip. Later, in 1530, he was among the group of important nobles who delivered a message to Pope Clement VII about King Henry VIII's desire to end his marriage to Catherine of Aragon.
Family Life
In 1530, Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, arranged for Edward Stanley to marry his daughter, Katherine Howard. This marriage happened without the King's permission, which made King Henry VIII unhappy. However, the King eventually allowed the marriage. Sadly, Katherine died just a few weeks later from the bubonic plague.
After this, the Duke of Norfolk quickly arranged another marriage for Edward. This time, Edward married Dorothy Howard, who was the Duke's half-sister. Edward and Dorothy had several children together:
- Henry Stanley, 4th Earl of Derby
- Elizabeth (1533–1590), who married Henry Parker, 11th Baron Morley
- Jane (died 1569), who married Edward Sutton, 4th Baron Dudley
- Mary (died 1609), who married Edward Stafford, 3rd Baron Stafford
- Thomas, whose grandson was Venetia Stanley
- Anne, who first married Charles Stourton, 8th Baron Stourton, and then Sir John Arundell
- Margaret (died 1585), who was the second wife of Sir Nicholas Poyntz
Serving Kings and Queens
Edward Stanley continued to serve the English monarchy throughout his life. In 1532, he went with King Henry VIII to Boulogne, where they met with King Francis I of France. After this meeting, Edward was made a Knight of the Bath, a special honor.
A few years later, Edward played a big part in stopping the Pilgrimage of Grace. This was a large uprising, mostly about church matters, that began in Lincolnshire and spread across northern England. In 1542, Edward also joined the Duke of Norfolk on a military trip into Scotland.
When Edward VI became King in 1547, Edward Stanley received another high honor, becoming a Knight of the Garter. In 1550, he was present at the peace talks with Scotland and France. Later, some people made accusations against him, but there was little proof. This was mainly because he disagreed with some church changes happening at the time.
However, when Queen Mary I took the throne, Edward was back in favor. He was given important roles, including Lord High Steward and becoming a member of the Privy Council, which advised the monarch. He was also involved in the trial of Lady Jane Grey and was often present during the trials of people accused of not following the official church rules.
Edward remained in favor even when Queen Elizabeth I became ruler. He stayed on her Privy Council and she appointed him Chamberlain of Chester, another important position.
Edward Stanley passed away at Lathom House. His titles and lands were then passed on to his oldest son, Henry Stanley.
