Robert Radcliffe, 1st Earl of Sussex facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Radcliffe, 1st Earl of Sussex
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| Born | c. 1483 |
| Died | 27 November 1542 Chelsea, London |
| Buried | Buried at Boreham, Essex |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Stafford Margaret Stanley Mary Arundell |
| Issue | Henry Radcliffe, 2nd Earl of Sussex Sir Humphrey Radcliffe George Radcliffe Jane Radcliffe Anne Radcliffe son who died in infancy Sir John Radcliffe |
| Father | John Radcliffe, 9th Baron FitzWalter |
| Mother | Margaret Whetehill |
Robert Radcliffe was an important person in England during the time of King Henry VII and King Henry VIII. He was born around 1483 and passed away on November 27, 1542. He held many important jobs, including being a soldier and a trusted advisor to the kings. He was also known as the 10th Baron Fitzwalter and later became the 1st Earl of Sussex.
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Robert's Family
Robert Radcliffe was born around 1483. He was the only son of John Radcliffe, who was the 9th Baron FitzWalter. His mother was Margaret Whetehill. Robert had five sisters: Mary, Bridget, Ursula, Jane, and Anne.
Robert's Career and Achievements
When Robert was young, his father, John Radcliffe, was accused of treason in 1495. This meant his father lost all his titles and was put in prison. Sadly, his father was later executed in 1496.
Robert started his career working for King Henry VII and his son, Arthur, Prince of Wales. He was present at Prince Arthur's wedding in 1501. In 1505, King Henry VII officially gave Robert back his family's title, and he became Baron FitzWalter.
In 1509, Robert was made a Knight of the Bath. This was a special honor given by the King. He also helped at the coronation of King Henry VIII. Later, in 1515, he was at a big event when Wolsey became a cardinal, a high-ranking church official.
Serving the King in Battle
Robert Radcliffe was a soldier and helped King Henry VIII in wars. In 1513, he fought in France during the sieges of Therouanne and Tournai. A siege is when an army surrounds a town or castle to try and capture it.
In June 1520, Robert was with King Henry VIII at a famous meeting called the Field of the Cloth of Gold. This was a huge, fancy event where King Henry VIII met the King of France. They held feasts, tournaments, and showed off their wealth. Robert also attended meetings with the Emperor Charles V in 1520 and 1522.
In 1521, Robert served as an admiral, leading a group of ships at sea. He was also a chief captain in a land campaign in France.
Rising Through the Ranks
Robert continued to gain more honors and important jobs. In 1524, he became a Knight of the Order of the Garter, which is one of the highest honors in England. In 1525, he was given the new title of Viscount Fitzwalter.
He became a member of the Privy Council by 1526. This was a group of trusted advisors to the King. In 1529, he was made the Earl of Sussex, a very important noble title. He also became the Chamberlain of the Exchequer for life in 1532. This job involved managing the King's money.
Robert Radcliffe was very close to King Henry VIII. He supported the King during his divorce from Catherine of Aragon. He also attended the coronation of Queen Anne Boleyn in 1533.
After a rebellion called the Pilgrimage of Grace, Robert helped the King restore order in the country. For his loyalty, he received land. In 1539, he helped organize defenses for the Thames and the coast of Essex.
In 1540, he greeted Anne of Cleves when she arrived in England to marry King Henry VIII. He also managed the important town of Calais for a few months. On August 3, 1540, he was given the job of Lord Great Chamberlain for life. This was a very high position in the royal household.
Robert Radcliffe passed away on November 27, 1542.
Robert's Marriages and Children
Robert Radcliffe was married three times and had several children.
His first wife was Elizabeth Stafford. She was a cousin of King Henry VIII's mother. They married shortly after 1505 and had three sons:
- Henry Radcliffe, who became the 2nd Earl of Sussex.
- Sir Humphrey Radcliffe.
- George Radcliffe.
His second wife was Margaret Stanley. They married by 1532 and had two daughters:
- Jane Radcliffe, who married Anthony Browne.
- Anne Radcliffe.
His third wife was Mary Arundell. They married in 1537. They had two sons, but one died as a baby. The other son was:
- Sir John Radcliffe.
After Robert died, his third wife, Mary, married again to Henry FitzAlan, the Earl of Arundel.
