Francis Howard, 5th Baron Howard of Effingham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Howard of Effingham
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| Crown Governor of Virginia | |
| In office 1683–1692 |
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| Monarch | Charles II James II William III |
| Preceded by | Baron Colepeper |
| Succeeded by | Sir Edmund Andros |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 17 September 1643 |
| Died | 30 March 1694/95 |
Francis Howard, 5th Baron Howard of Effingham (born around 1643 – died 1695) was an important English nobleman. He was a member of the famous Howard family, known for its long history. He also served as the Crown Governor of Virginia from 1683 to 1692. This meant he was in charge of the Virginia colony for the King of England.
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Early Life and Family
Francis Howard was the son of Sir Charles Howard and Frances Courthope. He was born in Surrey, England, and was baptized on September 17, 1643. In 1673, he married Philadelphia Pelham. They had several children, including two sons who would later inherit his title.
In 1681, Francis Howard inherited the title of Baron Howard of Effingham. This happened because his cousin, the 3rd Earl of Nottingham, passed away without a male heir. This made Francis the 5th Baron Howard of Effingham.
Governor of Virginia
Lord Howard was chosen to be the Governor of Virginia in 1683. He and his family moved to the colony in February 1684. He mostly lived at a large estate called Rosegill plantation. Governor Howard officially started his duties on April 16, 1684.
Making Peace with the Iroquois
In June 1684, Lord Howard traveled from Virginia to Albany, New York. He went with his daughter, Philadelphia. There, he met with the Governor of New York, Thomas Dongan. They worked together to create a peace treaty with the Iroquois Confederacy.
This treaty helped stop attacks by the Seneca nation, a group within the Iroquois. Their warriors had been raiding the Virginia frontier. Even though the Iroquois had broken a previous agreement called the "Covenant Chain," Howard and Dongan did not demand payments. They hoped the Iroquois would continue to fight against the French, who were rivals of the British.
While in New York, Lord Howard enjoyed the lifestyle there. He even asked his wife to bring fine silver from England. Sadly, Lady Howard died the next year in Virginia, in August 1685. Their daughter, Margaret Frances, also died while her mother's body was being sent back to England.
Unpopular Decisions
In 1687, Governor Howard traveled to New York again to talk with the Iroquois. Despite his efforts to make peace, many people in Virginia did not like him. He made several decisions that angered the colonists.
He ordered that no one in Virginia could use a printing press for any reason. He also tried to gain more power for himself. He wanted to be able to change laws and collect taxes without the colonists' approval. He also charged a fee for land grants, which were official documents giving people ownership of land.
Lord Howard also created a special court called a court of equity. He named himself the head of this court, acting like a powerful judge. In 1687, he removed Colonel Philip Ludwell from the Virginia Council. Howard said Ludwell was causing arguments. However, this decision backfired. Ludwell became very popular and met with King William in England. This meeting led to Ludwell getting his council seat back in 1691.
Later Life
Lord Howard left Virginia and returned to England on October 20, 1688. He lived mostly in Kensington, near London. He was allowed to remain the governor of Virginia even from afar, but he received only half his salary.
While he was in England, Nathaniel Bacon, Sr. managed the colony. Later, Howard's deputy, Francis Nicholson, arrived in Virginia in May 1690 to take over. Lord Howard remarried in January 1690 to Susan Felton. He passed away in 1695.
