Henry Clifford, 1st Earl of Cumberland facts for kids

The family crest of Sir Henry Clifford, 1st Earl of Cumberland.

The Clifford family crest, showing a checkered pattern with a red stripe.

A monument dedicated to Sir Henry Clifford at Holy Trinity Church in Skipton.

Henry Clifford, the 1st Earl of Cumberland (born in 1493, died in 1542), was an important English nobleman. He belonged to the powerful Clifford family. Their main home was Skipton Castle in Yorkshire, where they lived for many years.

Early Life and Family

Henry Clifford was born at Skipton Castle. His father was Henry Clifford, the 10th Baron de Clifford. His mother was Anne St John.

Serving the King

As a young man, Henry Clifford spent time at the court of King Henry VIII. He was knighted in 1509 during the King's coronation. This was a great honor.

He took on important roles in Yorkshire. In 1522, he became the High Sheriff of Yorkshire. This job involved keeping law and order in the county. When his father passed away in 1523, Henry also became the hereditary High Sheriff of Westmorland. This meant the role was passed down in his family.

King Henry VIII had plans to protect the border with Scotland. As part of these plans, Henry Clifford was given a new title. On June 18, 1525, he was made the Earl of Cumberland. He was also put in charge of the western border areas, known as the West Marches. He became the Governor of Carlisle Castle too.

Later, he was briefly replaced in his border role. But he was put back in charge in 1534. During a big uprising called the Pilgrimage of Grace, Henry Clifford stayed loyal to King Henry VIII. He was even surrounded by rebels at Skipton Castle. Because of his loyalty, King Henry VIII made him a Knight of the Garter in 1537. This is one of the highest honors in England.

Family Life

Henry Clifford was married two times.

• His first wife was Margaret Talbot. She passed away before 1516.
• His second wife was Margaret Percy. Together, they had seven children.

One of their children was Henry Clifford, 2nd Earl of Cumberland. He became the next Earl after his father. He married Lady Eleanor Brandon, who was a niece of King Henry VIII. Another child was Catherine Clifford. She was born in 1513 and lived until 1598. She married John Scrope, the 8th Baron Scrope of Bolton. Later, she married Sir Richard Cholmondely.

Later Years and Legacy

Henry Clifford passed away in 1542. He was buried in Skipton church. You can still see his monument there today.