John Tufton, 4th Earl of Thanet facts for kids

John Tufton, 4th Earl of Thanet (born August 7, 1638 – died April 27, 1680) was an important English nobleman and politician. Before he became an Earl in 1679, he was known as The Honourable John Tufton.

John Tufton was the second son of John Tufton, 2nd Earl of Thanet. His mother was Lady Margaret, whose parents were Richard Sackville, 3rd Earl of Dorset and Lady Anne Clifford. Through his father's side, he was also a great-great-grandson of William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley, who was a very important advisor to Queen Elizabeth I.

He received a good education, attending Eton, a famous school, and then Queen's College, Oxford, a well-known university.

Becoming an Earl

An Earl is a high rank in the British nobility, similar to a count in other countries. It's a title that often passes down through families.

In November 1679, John Tufton became the 4th Earl of Thanet. He inherited this title after his older brother, Nicholas Tufton, 3rd Earl of Thanet, passed away. With this new title, he also gained a seat in the House of Lords. The House of Lords is part of the Parliament in England, where important decisions about the country's laws and future are made. Being a member meant he had a role in governing the country.

Other Important Roles

Besides being an Earl and a member of the House of Lords, John Tufton also held another important position. From 1679 to 1680, he was the hereditary High Sheriff of Westmorland. A High Sheriff was a royal official in a county, responsible for keeping the peace and carrying out legal duties. This role was passed down through his family.

His Life Ends

Lord Thanet passed away in April 1680 when he was 41 years old. He never married. After his death, his younger brother, Richard, became the 5th Earl of Thanet.