Robert Sackville, 2nd Earl of Dorset facts for kids
Robert Sackville, 2nd Earl of Dorset (1561–1609) was an English nobleman and politician. He was also interested in learning and business.
Contents
His Early Life and Education
Robert Sackville was the oldest son of Thomas Sackville, 1st Earl of Dorset. His mother was Cecily, daughter of Sir John Baker.
When Robert was young, his grandfather, Sir Richard Sackville, asked a famous teacher named Roger Ascham to teach Robert and his own son. This event even inspired Ascham to write his important teaching book, The Scholemaster (1570).
Robert also had a tutor named Claudius Hollyband. Hollyband wrote French language books, The French Schoolemaster (1573) and The Frenche Littelton (1576), and dedicated them to Robert. These books were very popular, with fifteen editions published by 1609.
Robert started studying at Hart Hall, Oxford, when he was 15 years old in 1576. He earned his degrees in 1579. He also spent some time at New College, Oxford.
Becoming a Politician
In 1580, Robert joined the Inner Temple, which was a place where people studied law. Even though he didn't become a lawyer, he was elected to the House of Commons in 1585. This meant he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Sussex when he was 23. His father helped him get this position.
He represented different areas in Parliament over the years, including Lewes and Sussex again. He was an important member of the House of Commons and led several committees.
Besides politics, Robert was also involved in business. He took part in trading ventures and had a special permission to supply weapons.
When his father died in 1608, Robert became the 2nd Earl of Dorset. He inherited many lands and homes, including Knole and Buckhurst.
His Death and Legacy
Robert Sackville died less than a year after his father, on February 27, 1609, at his home in London. He was buried in the Sackville Chapel in Withyham, Sussex.
He left money to build and support Sackville College, which was a special home for people in need, located in East Grinstead.
His Family Life
Robert Sackville married twice.
First Marriage
In 1580, he married Lady Margaret. She was the only surviving daughter of Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk. Robert and Margaret had six children, including:
- Richard Sackville, 3rd Earl of Dorset (born 1589)
- Edward Sackville, 4th Earl of Dorset (born 1591)
- Anne (died 1664), who married Sir Edward Seymour and later Sir Edward Lewis.
- Cecily, who married Sir Henry Compton.
Lady Margaret died in 1591. A writer named Robert Southwell wrote a book called Triumphs over Death in her honor in 1596. He dedicated the book to her children.
Second Marriage
In 1592, Robert married Anne. She was the daughter of Sir John Spencer and had been married twice before.
Towards the end of his life, Robert Sackville was discussing a separation from his second wife with important church and legal leaders when he passed away.
