George Hastings, 1st Earl of Huntingdon facts for kids
George Hastings (born 1488, died 1544) was an important English nobleman during the time of King Henry VIII. He was known as the 1st Earl of Huntingdon and was also a Knight of the Bath.
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Who Was George Hastings?
George Hastings was born in 1488 in a place called Ashby-de-la-Zouch. His father was Edward Hastings, 2nd Baron Hastings, and his mother was Mary Hungerford. Mary's family had important connections, including to the Percy family and the Neville family.
Early Life and Titles
George Hastings became a Knight of the Bath in November 1501. This was a special honor given by the King. He took over his father's title, Baron Hastings, between November 4 and 15, 1506.
George Hastings's Career and Role
George Hastings had an active career serving the King. He was involved in several important events during Henry VIII's reign.
Serving King Henry VIII
In 1513, George Hastings joined King Henry VIII's army in France. He was there when the English forces captured two towns, Therouanne and Tournai. These were important victories for England.
Important Meetings and Honors
George Hastings was also present at a famous meeting in 1520 between King Henry VIII and Francis I of France. This event is known as the Field of the Cloth of Gold because of how grand and fancy it was. He was also there when Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, visited England in 1522.
On December 8, 1529, King Henry VIII gave George Hastings an even higher title: Earl of Huntingdon. On the very same day, his oldest son, Francis, became a member of the English Reformation Parliament, which was a very important meeting of leaders.
Putting Down Rebellions
In 1536, George Hastings played a key role in stopping a large protest called the Pilgrimage of Grace. He was given command of the forces that helped put down this rebellion, showing his loyalty and importance to the King.
George Hastings's Family Life
George Hastings married Anne Stafford around December 1509. Anne was the daughter of Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham. Her mother was Katherine Woodville, who also came from an important family.
Children of George and Anne
George and Anne had five sons and three daughters. Their children were:
- Francis Hastings, 2nd Earl of Huntingdon (born 1514, died 1569). He later became the 2nd Earl of Huntingdon.
- Sir Thomas Hastings.
- Edward Hastings, 1st Baron Hastings of Loughborough.
- Henry Hastings.
- William Hastings.
- Dorothy Hastings. She married Sir Richard Devereux.
- Mary Hastings. She married Thomas Berkeley, 6th Baron Berkeley.
- Katherine Hastings.
