John Holles, 1st Earl of Clare facts for kids
John Holles, 1st Earl of Clare (born May 1564 – died 4 October 1637) was an important English nobleman. He lived a long time ago, during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. He was known for his political work and for becoming a powerful earl.
John Holles was born at Haughton Hall, Nottinghamshire. His father was Denzil Holles, and his mother was Eleanor Sheffield. His great-grandfather, William Hollyes, was even a Lord Mayor of London! John started studying at Christ's College, Cambridge when he was about 12 years old in 1579. After that, he studied law at Gray's Inn in 1583. He spent time at the royal court until 1599, learning about how the government worked.
In 1591, John Holles married Anne Stanhope. Through his marriage, he gained Thurland Hall in Nottingham, which later became known as Clare Place. His family's main home was Haughton Hall, but it was taken down many years later. John also served as the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire for a year, starting in 1591. This was an important local job, like a chief law enforcement officer.
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Working for the Prince
John Holles had an important job working for Prince Henry. Prince Henry was the eldest son of King James I and was expected to become king one day. John Holles was the prince's comptroller of the household. This meant he managed the prince's money and staff. He held this job until Prince Henry sadly died in 1612.
Political Career and Titles
John Holles was also a Member of Parliament for Nottinghamshire. He served in Parliament from 1604 to 1611 and again from 1614 to 1616. Being a Member of Parliament meant he helped make laws for the country.
As he became more important, he received special titles from the King. On 9 July 1616, he was made the 1st Baron Haughton. Later, on 2 November 1624, he became the 1st Earl of Clare. These titles showed his high rank and influence in English society.
John Holles died at his home in Nottingham in 1637. He was buried at St. Mary's Church, Nottingham. He had a large family with six sons and four daughters.
Interests and Learning
John Holles was interested in many things, including architecture. He exchanged books about building design with the Earl of Northumberland. He owned books by famous architects like Palladio, and he borrowed others by people like Vitruvius and Sebastiano Serlio. This shows he was a well-read and curious person, interested in art and design from his time.
Family and Descendants
John Holles had many children who also became important figures.
- John Holles, 2nd Earl of Clare (1595–1666): He became the 2nd Earl of Clare after his father. He was also a Member of Parliament for East Retford.
- Denzil Holles, 1st Baron Holles (1599–1680): He became the 1st Baron Holles and was a Member of Parliament for Mitchell.
- Francis (1604–1622): One of his sons.
- Eleanore Holles: She married Oliver Fitzwilliam, 1st Earl of Tyrconnel and became the Countess of Tyrconnel. She was buried in St. Mary's Church, Nottingham.
- Arabella Holles (1594–1631): She married Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford, another important nobleman.
