Henry Stanley, 4th Earl of Derby facts for kids
Henry Stanley, 4th Earl of Derby (born September 1531 – died 25 September 1593) was an important English nobleman. He was also a diplomat, which means he represented his country to other nations. Henry Stanley was also a politician, helping to make decisions for England. He served as an ambassador and was part of the Privy Council, a group of trusted advisors to the monarch. He also took part in the trials of Mary, Queen of Scots and the Earl of Arundel.
Early Life and Marriage
Henry Stanley was born in Lathom, England, in September 1531. He was the oldest son of Edward Stanley, 3rd Earl of Derby. His mother was Lady Dorothy Howard.
On 7 February 1555, Henry married Lady Margaret Clifford. She was the only child of Henry Clifford, 2nd Earl of Cumberland. Her mother was Lady Eleanor Brandon. Their wedding was a grand event. It took place in a chapel at the Palace of Whitehall. Queen Mary I of England and her husband Philip of Spain attended the ceremony. They were relatives of Margaret.
Henry and Margaret had four children together. After some years, they had a disagreement and lived separately. Henry later had four more children with Jane Halsall of Knowsley.
Important Roles and Duties
When his father passed away on 24 October 1572, Henry became the new Lord Derby. He inherited important titles and jobs. These included being the Lord of Mann and the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire and Cheshire. These roles meant he was the monarch's main representative in those areas.
In 1574, Queen Elizabeth I of England honored Henry. She made him a Knight of the Garter. This is a very special award given to important people.
Henry Stanley was also involved in international affairs. In 1580, he became an ambassador to the court of Henry III of France. This meant he represented England in France. In 1585, he joined the Privy Council. This group advised the Queen on important matters.
He played a role in the trial of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1586. He was one of the main officials involved. In 1588, he was part of a group that tried to end the war between England and Spain. This was after the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
In 1589, Queen Elizabeth gave him another important job. She made him Lord High Steward for the trial of Philip Howard, Earl of Arundel and Surrey. Henry Stanley retired to Lathom in 1592. He passed away there in 1593.
Family Life
Henry and Margaret had four children:
- Edward Stanley, who died when he was young.
- Ferdinando Stanley, 5th Earl of Derby (around 1559 – 16 April 1594).
- William Stanley, 6th Earl of Derby (around 1561 – 29 September 1642).
- Francis Stanley (born 1562), who also died young.
Henry also had four children with Jane Halsall of Knowsley:
- Henry Stanley, who received land in Ormskirk and Broughton.
- Thomas Stanley, who received an estate in Kirkby.
- Ursula Stanley, who married John Salusbury. They had four sons and three daughters.
- Dorothy Stanley, who married Sir Cuthbert Halsall.
