Henry Arundell, 3rd Baron Arundell of Wardour facts for kids

Henry Arundell, 3rd Baron Arundell of Wardour (born before 23 February 1607/8 – died 28 December 1694) was an important English nobleman in the 1600s. He is known as the most famous of the Lords Arundell of Wardour. He held important jobs like Lord Privy Seal and Lord High Steward. He was also part of the Privy Council, which was a group of advisors to the King.

Henry Arundell faced a long time in prison during a false event called the Popish Plot. Even though he was accused, he was never put on trial.

Early Life and the Civil War

Henry Arundell was born in London and was baptised on 23 February 1607/8. When his father died in 1643, Henry became the new Baron Arundell. His father was hurt in a battle during the First English Civil War.

Like his father, Henry was a devoted Roman Catholic. He fought for King Charles I during the Civil War. In May 1643, his family home, Wardour Castle in Wiltshire, was taken by Parliament's army. His mother, Lady Blanche Arundell, had bravely defended it.

Later that year, Henry Arundell led a siege to take back the castle. He managed to get it back in March 1644. To stop the enemy from using it again, he partly destroyed the castle.

Lord Arundell's mother, Blanche Somerset, was very brave.

Life After the War

After the Civil War, Henry Arundell faced some challenges. In 1652, he was involved in a duel where his brother-in-law was killed. Henry was found guilty of an accident and faced a penalty. He later asked Oliver Cromwell for a pardon and went to France for a while.

When King Charles II returned to power in 1660, Henry Arundell got his family's lands back. He had to pay a large sum of money for them. He got Wardour Castle back, but he never had enough money to rebuild it properly.

In 1663, he became the Master of the Horse for the Queen Mother, Henrietta Maria. This was an important role in the royal household.

In 1669, King Charles II asked Henry Arundell and other Catholic nobles to a secret meeting. Henry was sent to France to talk to Louis XIV. The English king wanted to become Catholic and needed money. Henry Arundell helped with a secret agreement between the two kings, known as the Treaty of Dover.

Wardour Castle, the family home of the Arundells.

The Popish Plot

In 1678, a man named Titus Oates claimed that Henry Arundell was part of a plot against King Charles II. This was called the Popish Plot, but it was completely made up.

Oates and his friends said that Catholics in England were planning to raise a huge army. They claimed this army would be led by Lord Arundell and other nobles. They even said the Pope wanted Arundell to become a very important government official.

From October 1678 to February 1684, Henry Arundell was held in the Tower of London. He was imprisoned with other Catholic nobles because of Oates' false accusations. It was clear the charges were untrue. For example, Arundell was accused of plotting with another Catholic peer, but they hadn't spoken in 25 years!

During his time in prison, Henry Arundell wrote five short religious poems. These were published in 1679.

Later Years and Retirement

After King Charles II died, his brother, James II, became king. James II was also a Roman Catholic. He made Henry Arundell a member of the Privy Council in 1686. Henry was also appointed Lord Privy Seal in 1687. This meant he was in charge of the King's private seal, which was used on important documents. He did not have to take the usual oaths because of his religion.

In 1687, Henry Arundell thanked the King for a new law that gave more freedom to Catholics. However, he did not agree with a Jesuit priest being added to the Privy Council.

In 1688, King James II left England. Henry Arundell then retired from public life. He moved to his home at Breamore in Hampshire. He died there on 28 December 1694, at the age of 88. He was buried with his family in Tisbury, Wiltshire.

Henry Arundell was known for enjoying gambling and sports. He had a famous pack of hunting dogs at Breamore. These dogs were later used to start the famous Quorn Hunt pack.

Family Life

Henry Arundell was the only son of Thomas Arundell, 2nd Baron Arundell of Wardour. His mother was Blanche Somerset, who was famous for bravely defending Wardour Castle during the Civil War.

Thomas, 2nd Lord Arundell, Henry's father.

Henry Arundell married Cicely Compton. She was the daughter of Sir Henry Compton.

Henry and Cicely had three children:

• Thomas Arundell, 4th Baron Arundell of Wardour: Born in 1633, he became the next Lord Arundell.
• Hon. Henry Arundell: He married Mary Scrope, but they did not have any children.
• Hon. Cicely Arundell: She became a nun in France in 1662 and lived to be 82 years old.