John Tufton, 2nd Earl of Thanet facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Tufton, 2nd Earl of Thanet
Portrait of John Tufton (1609–1664), 2nd Earl of Thanet painted by William Dobson (1611–1646) held by the Abbot Hall Art Gallery
Born	15 December 1608
Died	7 May 1664(1664-05-07) (aged 55)
Spouse(s)	Lady Margaret Sackville ​ (m. 1629)​
Issue	Nicholas Tufton, 3rd Earl of Thanet Margaret Coventry, Baroness Coventry John Tufton, 4th Earl of Thanet Richard Tufton, 5th Earl of Thanet Thomas Tufton, 6th Earl of Thanet Col. Sackville Tufton Lady Anne Tufton Lady Frances Drax Cicely Hatton, Viscountess Hatton Lady Mary Walter Lady Anne Grimston
Father	Nicholas Tufton, 1st Earl of Thanet
Mother	Lady Frances Cecil

Portrait of John Tufton (1609–1664), 2nd Earl of Thanet painted by John Michael Wright (1617–1694) held by the Abbot Hall Art Gallery

John Tufton, 2nd Earl of Thanet (born December 15, 1608 – died May 7, 1664) was an important English nobleman. He was known for supporting King Charles I during a difficult time in England's history.

John Tufton was the oldest son of Nicholas Tufton, who was the 1st Earl of Thanet. His mother was Lady Frances Cecil. She was the granddaughter of William Cecil, a very important advisor to Queen Elizabeth I.

John Tufton's Role in English History

John Tufton was a strong supporter of King Charles I. People who supported the King during the English Civil War were called Cavaliers. This was a time when the King and Parliament were fighting for control of England.

Supporting the King

In 1642, John Tufton took part in the Battle of Edge Hill. This was one of the first big battles of the English Civil War. He also led a group of 100 horsemen. Their goal was to start a rebellion in Sussex to help the King.

He was involved in several battles and sieges, including the Capture of Chichester and the Siege of Chichester. He tried to help Sir William Brockman in Kent. However, the King's supporters lost these battles. John Tufton was forced to give up.

Losses During the War

Because he supported the King, John Tufton faced many problems. His large estates were taken away or seized by the Parliament's forces. This caused him to lose a lot of money and property.

One of his properties was Bodiam Castle. He had bought this castle in 1639. But because of the war, he had to sell it for £6,000 in 1644.

John Tufton's Family Life

Painting of 2nd Earl of Thanet and his wife, Lady Margaret Sackville (1614-1676)

On April 21, 1629, John Tufton married Lady Margaret Sackville. She was born in 1614 and died in 1676. Her parents were Richard Sackville, the 3rd Earl of Dorset, and Lady Anne Clifford.

Their Children

John and Margaret had eleven children together:

• Nicholas Tufton, 3rd Earl of Thanet (1631–1679)
• Lady Margaret Tufton (born 1636), who married George Coventry, 3rd Baron Coventry.
• John Tufton, 4th Earl of Thanet (1638–1680)
• Richard Tufton, 5th Earl of Thanet (1640–1684)
• Thomas Tufton, 6th Earl of Thanet (1644–1729)
• Colonel Sackville Tufton (around 1647–1721)
• Lady Anne Tufton, who sadly died when she was young.
• Lady Frances Tufton, who married Henry Drax. They did not have any children.
• Lady Cicely Tufton (1648–1672), who married Christopher Hatton, 1st Viscount Hatton.
• Lady Mary Tufton (died 1674), who married Sir William Walter, 2nd Baronet.
• Lady Anne Tufton, who married Samuel Grimston.

Lady Margaret Sackville (1614-1676), Countess of Thanet by Peter Lely

After John Tufton died, four of his sons became the Earl of Thanet one after another. This was unusual because the first three sons did not have any children of their own.