Lionel Cranfield, 3rd Earl of Middlesex facts for kids

Lionel Cranfield, 3rd Earl of Middlesex (born in 1625 – died on October 26, 1674), was an important English noble. Before he became an Earl, he was known as the Honourable Lionel Cranfield from 1640 until 1651.

The Dowager (widow) Countess of Bath, who later became the Countess of Middlesex

Becoming an Earl

Lionel Cranfield became the Earl of Middlesex in 1651, after his brother passed away. Around 1655, he married Rachel. Her father was the Earl of Westmorland, and she was also the widow of Henry Bourchier, the 5th Earl of Bath. Being a widow means her first husband had died.

A letter Lionel Cranfield wrote to his wife, who was living away from him, around 1670. He wrote it from Copped Hall.

Helping the King

In May 1660, Lionel Cranfield was chosen as one of six people by the Convention Parliament. This was a special meeting of Parliament that asked King Charles II to return to England and become king again. In 1673, Lionel Cranfield became a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to King Charles II. This was a special role, meaning he was a close helper and attendant to the King.

His Later Life

Lionel Cranfield passed away the next year, in 1674. He did not have any children. Because of this, his noble titles, like Earl of Middlesex, ended. His property and wealth went to his sister's son, Charles Sackville, who later became the 6th Earl of Dorset.

Images for kids

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  Portrait titled Lionel Cranfield Earl of Middlesex at top left