Henry Stafford (MP) facts for kids

Henry Stafford was an English politician who lived from about 1520 to after 1555. He was the son of a powerful nobleman, Edward Stafford, the 3rd Duke of Buckingham. Henry Stafford served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the town of Stafford several times.

Early Life and Family Background

Henry Stafford was born around 1520. His mother's name is not known. His father, the Duke of Buckingham, was a very important person in England during the time of Henry VIII.

In 1521, Henry VIII took away the Duke of Buckingham's titles and lands. This meant that Henry Stafford and his family faced challenges. Henry Stafford's half-brother, also named Henry, worked hard to get some of the family's lands back. He became a local official in Stafford and a Justice of the Peace. In 1541, Henry Stafford was appointed to help manage some of his half-brother's lands in Yorkshire.

Military Service

Henry Stafford may have been a soldier. In 1544, it is thought he led a group of horsemen from Bridlington to fight in Scotland. This was part of a conflict known as the "Rough Wooing". This war was about England trying to get Scotland to agree to a marriage between the English Prince Edward and the Scottish Queen Mary.

It is also possible that Henry Stafford was captured by the Scots in 1549. He might have been released after a payment of £700 was made.

Political Career

Henry Stafford was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Stafford. He served in Parliament in 1545, 1547, October 1553, and 1555. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's main law-making body, the Parliament.

Not much is known about what Henry Stafford did in Parliament. However, in 1553, records show that he supported the Protestant group. During this time, there were many changes in religion in England.

Later Life

After 1555, there are no clear records of what Henry Stafford did. It is possible he was the Henry Stafford who became the leader of Dungarvan Castle in Ireland in 1559.