Lord William Howard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lord William Howard
|
|
|---|---|
| Born | 19 December 1563 |
| Died | 7 October 1640 (aged 76) |
| Alma mater | University of Cambridge |
| Spouse(s) |
Elizabeth Dacre
(after 1577) |
| Parent(s) | Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk Margaret Audley |
| Relatives | Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk (brother) Philip Howard, 20th Earl of Arundel (half-brother) Thomas Audley, 1st Baron Audley (grandfather) Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey (grandfather) |
Lord William Howard (born December 19, 1563 – died October 7, 1640) was an English nobleman and a keen collector of old things and history, known as "Belted Will." He was a very smart and educated person who loved learning about the past.
Contents
William Howard's Early Life
William Howard was born on December 19, 1563, at Audley End in Essex, England. He was the youngest of four children born to Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk and his second wife, Margaret Audley. His older siblings were Elizabeth, Thomas, and Margaret.
Sadly, William's mother passed away in January 1564, when he was just a baby. His father then married Elizabeth Leyburne, who was already a widow with children, including Elizabeth Dacre, who would later become William's wife.
A Difficult Childhood
William's father, the Duke of Norfolk, was a Roman Catholic during a time when England was mostly Protestant under Queen Elizabeth I. He became involved in plots against the Queen and was arrested in 1569. He was later arrested again in 1571 for his part in the Ridolfi Plot.
In June 1572, when William was only eight years old, his father was executed. After this sad event, William and his siblings were looked after by their uncle, Henry Howard, Earl of Northampton. They lived with him at Audley End.
Because of his father's actions, much of the family's property was taken away by the government. However, William and his siblings, along with their older half-brother Philip, were later able to get some of their family estates back.
William Howard's Career and Studies
After he got married in 1577, William went to the University of Cambridge. He was known as a very smart and skilled scholar. A famous historian named William Camden praised him as someone who deeply loved old history and was very learned.
Challenges and Faith
William was suspected of plotting against the queen, just like his half-brother Philip. Because of these suspicions, he was put in prison several times in the 1580s. In 1584, he joined the Roman Catholic Church.
Both William and his half-brother lost some of their family lands because of their faith and the suspicions against them. However, in 1601, they were able to get these lands back after paying a large sum of money.
Life at Naworth Castle
After getting his lands back, William moved with his family to Naworth Castle in Cumberland. He worked hard to restore the castle and improve the surrounding land. He also helped bring order and law to that part of the country.
William was a great collector of books and old documents. He built a very valuable library at Naworth Castle. He also corresponded with other important scholars and historians of his time, like James Ussher and William Camden. In 1592, he even published a historical book called Chronicon ex Chronicis.
Later Life and Public Service
When King James I became king in 1603, William Howard was officially cleared of any past accusations. In 1618, he was made a commissioner for the border between Scotland and England. He did important work there, helping to enforce laws and stop criminals.
William Howard's Family Life
On October 28, 1577, William married his step-sister, Elizabeth Dacre. She was the daughter of Thomas Dacre and Elizabeth Leyburne, who later married William's father. Together, William and Elizabeth had several children:
- Sir Philip Howard (born 1581)
- Sir Francis Howard (1588–1660)
- Sir William Howard
- Sir Charles Howard
- Col. Sir Thomas Howard
- Margaret Howard (around 1580–1620)
- Mary Howard
- Elizabeth Howard
William Howard passed away on October 7, 1640, in Greystoke, Cumbria. He had been moved there to avoid Scottish forces who were threatening Naworth Castle. His family continued to be important figures in English history.
William Howard's Legacy
William Howard School, a secondary school in Brampton, Cumbria, is named after him. This shows how his contributions to the region and his love for learning are still remembered today.
Images for kids
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Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, William's father
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Margaret Audley, William's mother
