Edward Sutton, 4th Baron Dudley facts for kids

Edward Sutton, 4th Baron Dudley (born around 1515 – died July 12, 1586) was an important English nobleman and soldier. He was the oldest son of John Sutton, 3rd Baron Dudley. People at the time also called him Sir Edward Dudley.

Early Life and Family

Edward Sutton was born around 1515. His father was John Sutton, 3rd Baron Dudley. His mother was Lady Cicely Grey. She was the daughter of Thomas Grey, 1st Marquess of Dorset. Edward's great-grandmother was Elizabeth Woodville, who was once the Queen of England.

A Soldier's Career

Serving in Ireland and Scotland

Edward Sutton started his military career in 1536. He served in Ireland under his uncle, Leonard Grey, 1st Viscount Grane. He became a captain, leading 100 archers. His uncle wrote to Thomas Cromwell, a powerful advisor, asking him to help young Edward. At this time, Edward and his uncle said he was very poor. This was because his father had lost his family's lands and Dudley Castle in 1537. Edward stayed in Ireland until 1538.

In 1547, Edward joined an army going to Scotland. After English forces captured Hume Castle, he became its governor. He wrote a letter from Hume Castle in September 1547 about an English messenger who had been captured. The Scots took Hume Castle back in December 1548, and Edward Sutton was captured. He was later set free in 1550 as part of a prisoner exchange.

Becoming Baron Dudley

On September 17, 1553, Edward became the Baron Dudley. He took over from his father, who was sometimes called "Lord Quondam" (meaning 'Lord Formerly'). On October 2, 1553, Queen Mary I made him a knight.

In 1554, he was called to join Parliament as Baron of Dudley. He also got back Dudley Castle, which was his family's old home. The castle had been taken by the Crown after his cousin, John Dudley, 1st Duke of Northumberland, lost his titles.

Service in France and Royal Visits

From 1556 to 1558, Edward was in charge of Hampnes, a place in France. He left Hampnes in 1558 and went to Flanders because he was worried about the French army.

In 1562, another nobleman, Ambrose Dudley, 3rd Earl of Warwick, wrote about Sir Edward. He said that Edward Dudley was the first to enter Tankerville (another place in France). He added that Edward was well-liked by the local people and his soldiers.

When Queen Elizabeth became queen in 1558, Edward wanted to gain her favor. He invited her to visit him at Dudley Castle in 1575.

Family Life

Marriages and Children

Edward Sutton married three times and had three children.

His first wife was Catherine Brydges. They married in 1556. Catherine worked for Queen Mary. They had one child:

• Anne (born around 1556, died 1605). She first married Francis Throckmorton. Later, she married Thomas Wylmer.

Queen Mary gave Edward and Catherine important lands and properties. These included the areas of Sedgley, Himley, and Swinford. She also gave them Dudley Castle and other lands. Queen Elizabeth confirmed these grants in 1579.

His second wife was Jane Stanley. They married in 1567. They had two children:

• Edward Dudley (born September 17, 1567, died June 23, 1643). He became the 5th Baron Dudley.
• John Dudley (born November 30, 1569, died around February 1644/45).

His third wife was Mary Howard. They married on December 16, 1571, at Whitehall Palace. Mary later remarried after Edward's death. She died in 1600 and is buried in St Margaret's Church, Westminster.

Arranging a Marriage

In 1567, Sir Edward arranged for his daughter Anne to marry Francis Throckmorton. As part of this plan, Anne went to live with Francis's mother. The lands given to Edward by King Philip and Queen Mary were part of Anne's marriage agreement. Anne and Francis had a son named John. After Francis's death, Anne married Thomas Wylmer.

Edward Sutton died on July 12, 1586. He was buried at St. Margaret's Church, Westminster on August 12, 1586. His son, Edward Sutton, 5th Baron Dudley, became the next Baron Dudley.