George Hastings, 4th Earl of Huntingdon facts for kids
George Hastings, 4th Earl of Huntingdon (born 1540 – died 1604) was an important English nobleman. He was a son of Francis Hastings, 2nd Earl of Huntingdon. His mother was Catherine Pole. George became the 4th Earl after his older brother, Henry, passed away.
Life and Public Service
George Hastings held several important jobs during his lifetime. In 1571, he was the High Sheriff of Leicestershire. This role meant he was the chief law enforcement officer in the county. He also served as a knight of the shire, which meant he was a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented Derbyshire in 1562 and Leicestershire from 1584 to 1587. In 1565, he was made a knight.
Royal Visit to Ashby Castle
George Hastings lived at Gopsall and later at Loughborough, both in Leicestershire. A special event happened on June 22, 1603. He welcomed Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen of England and Scotland, and her children, Prince Henry and Princess Elizabeth, to his home at Ashby Castle. George really wanted the Queen to visit. He even asked others to help convince the royal party to come to Ashby Castle from Wollaton Hall.
Succession
George Hastings died in 1604. His grandson, Henry Hastings, 5th Earl of Huntingdon, took over as the 5th Earl.
Family Life
George Hastings married Dorothy Port. She was the daughter of Sir John Port of Etwall, Derbyshire. George and Dorothy had five children together:
- Francis Hastings, Baron Hastings (1560–1595): He was the father of Henry Hastings, 5th Earl of Huntingdon.
- Henry Hastings (1562 – 1650)
- Sir Edward Hastings
- Catherine Hastings: She married twice. Her first husband was Sir Walter Chetwynd. Her second husband was Sir Edward Unton.
- Dorothy Hastings: She was a Maid of Honour at the royal court. She married a Scottish courtier named James Stewart. Later, she married Robert Dillon, who was the 2nd Earl of Roscommon.
