Nicholas Tufton, 3rd Earl of Thanet facts for kids

Nicholas Tufton, 3rd Earl of Thanet (born August 7, 1631 – died November 24, 1679) was an important English nobleman. Before he became an Earl, people called him Lord Tufton.

Early Life and Family

Nicholas Tufton was the oldest son of John Tufton, 2nd Earl of Thanet. His mother was Lady Margaret. Her parents were Richard Sackville, 3rd Earl of Dorset and Lady Anne Clifford. This means Nicholas had a very important family background. Through his father, he was also a great-great-grandson of Lord Burghley, who was a powerful advisor to Queen Elizabeth I.

Facing Challenges

In the 1650s, Nicholas faced some difficulties. He was held in the Tower of London for a time. This happened in 1655, and again from 1656 to 1658. In 1664, he became the Earl of Thanet after his father passed away.

Important Titles and Roles

Nicholas Tufton successfully claimed a special title called the Barony of de Clifford. He inherited this title through his grandmother, Lady Anne Clifford. This title had been "in abeyance" for a while, which means it was waiting for someone to claim it.

Hereditary High Sheriff

Having the Barony of de Clifford gave Nicholas a special honor. He became the hereditary High Sheriff of Westmorland. This meant his family had the right to hold this important local position. A High Sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer in their area.

Later Life and Legacy

On April 11, 1664, Lord Thanet married Lady Elizabeth. She was the daughter of Richard Boyle, 2nd Earl of Cork. Nicholas and Lady Elizabeth did not have any children.

Nicholas Tufton passed away in November 1679 when he was 48 years old. His younger brother, John, became the next Earl of Thanet. Lady Elizabeth, Nicholas's wife, lived until September 1725.