Henry Paget, 2nd Baron Paget facts for kids

Henry Paget, 2nd Baron Paget (born around 1539 – died 28 December 1568) was an English nobleman and politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) and later inherited a special title called a peerage.

Henry was the oldest son of William Paget, 1st Baron Paget. His mother was Anne Preston. He was born around 1539 in Burton on Trent. In 1553, he was knighted, which is a special honor given by the King or Queen. When his father passed away in 1563, Henry became the 2nd Baron Paget.

As a politician, Henry Paget was elected as a Member of Parliament. He represented the area of Arundel in 1555. Later, he represented Lichfield in both 1559 and 1563.

Henry Paget's Family Life

Katherine Knyvett, Lady Paget (1543/7–1622). This portrait is likely based on an older painting.

In 1567, Henry Paget married Katherine Knyvet. She was the sister of two well-known courtiers, Sir Henry Knyvet and Thomas Knyvet. Katherine's father was Sir Henry Knyvet.

Henry Paget and Katherine Knyvet had one daughter together, named Elizabeth. When Henry Paget died on 28 December 1568, Elizabeth was only four months old.

Who Inherited the Title?

Because Henry Paget did not have a son, there was a question about who would become the next Baron Paget. For a long time, people thought his brother, Thomas, immediately became the 3rd Baron Paget.

However, a special decision was made much later, in 1770, by the House of Lords. They decided that Henry Paget's daughter, Elizabeth, actually inherited the title first in 1568. It was not until 1570 that his brother, Thomas, officially became Lord Paget.

After Henry Paget's death, his wife Katherine married again. She married Sir Edward Carey. They had several children together, including Henry Carey, who later became the 1st Viscount Falkland.