Sir George Howard (courtier) facts for kids

Sir George Howard (born around 1525, died 1580) was an important person in English history. He worked for four different kings and queens! He was also the brother of Queen Catherine Howard, who was married to King Henry VIII. George Howard was a courtier, meaning he worked closely with the royal family. He was also a politician, a writer, and a diplomat, which means he helped represent England in other countries. He held important jobs, like being in charge of the royal weapons and armor. He also went on several special trips to other countries for the English crown.

Early Life and Family Connections

Sir George Howard was born around 1525. He was the third son of Lord Edmund Howard. His father was the third son of Thomas Howard, the second Duke of Norfolk. George's mother was Elizabeth Tilney.

His father, Lord Edmund Howard, was known for spending a lot of money. He even had to leave England for a while to avoid people he owed money to. Because of this, George and his sister Catherine, who later became Queen Catherine Howard, probably grew up with their step-grandmother, the Dowager Duchess of Norfolk.

A Change in Fortune

George's father died in 1539, still owing a lot of money. But George's financial situation got much better in 1540. This was because his sister, Catherine, married King Henry VIII and became his fifth wife!

The King gave George a good amount of money each year and some land. He also gave George and his brother Charles a special permission to bring wine from France into England.

However, this good fortune did not last long. On February 13, 1542, his sister Queen Catherine was executed. This was a very difficult time for George and his family.

A Career in the Royal Court

After his sister's death, George Howard became a soldier. He served as a captain in Boulogne in 1546. He was also a standard-bearer, carrying the flag, at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. He was praised for his "forward courage" in this battle. Because of his bravery, he was knighted by Edward Seymour, the first Duke of Somerset, on September 28, 1547.

George Howard continued to serve in Scotland in 1548. He also went on a special trip to France in May 1551 to meet with King Henry II of France. This shows he was trusted with important diplomatic tasks.

Serving Edward VI

George Howard was a Member of Parliament for Devizes during the first Parliament of King Edward VI. He also wrote a play called The Triumph of Cupid, Venus and Mars. This play was performed at the royal court during the Christmas season of 1552-1553.

Loyalty to Mary I

When King Edward VI died on July 6, 1553, there was some confusion about who would be the next ruler. George Howard first joined the forces of John Dudley, the first Duke of Northumberland. But he quickly changed his mind and joined the forces supporting Queen Mary I. He even brought 50 horsemen with him to help Queen Mary.

At first, Queen Mary was a bit suspicious of him. But in January 1554, she gave him a yearly payment of £200. He proved his loyalty by helping his uncle, Thomas Howard, the third Duke of Norfolk, put down a rebellion led by Thomas Wyatt. When his uncle died later that year, George Howard was the chief mourner at the funeral.

George Howard was supposed to become a carver for Queen Mary's husband, King Philip II of Spain. But King Philip brought his own Spanish servants, so George could not take the job. He was sent on another diplomatic mission to the Emperor Charles V in the same year. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Rochester in Kent and later for Winchelsea.

Working for Elizabeth I

In November 1558, George Howard's cousin, Elizabeth, became Queen Elizabeth I. George was with the Queen's court at Kenilworth Castle in July 1575. This was when the Earl of Leicester, who was a favorite of the Queen, held a very grand party for her.

A famous letter, called the Langham Letter, describes this party in great detail. The person who wrote the letter mentions George Howard by name. He says that George Howard is "as good a Gentleman as any lives." This shows that George Howard was well-liked and respected at court. He was one of the few courtiers mentioned by name in this important letter.

In 1560, George Howard was given the important job of Master of the Armouries for life. This meant he was in charge of all the royal weapons and armor. By 1579, Queen Elizabeth had also made him a Gentleman Usher of the Privy Chamber. This was a close position to the Queen.

In his later years, George Howard lived in Kent. He served as a Justice of the Peace, helping to keep law and order. He was also known for being supportive of the official religion of the time.

Sir George Howard died in 1580.