Theophilus Howard, 2nd Earl of Suffolk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Suffolk
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The Earl of Suffolk
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| Born | 13 August 1584 Saffron Waldon, Essex, England
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| Died | 3 June 1640 (aged 55) Charing Cross, London, England
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| Burial place | St Mary the Virgin, Saffron Walden, Essex, England |
| Occupation | English Earl |
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Elizabeth Home
(m. 1612; died 1633) |
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Theophilus Howard, 2nd Earl of Suffolk (born August 13, 1584 – died June 3, 1640) was an important English nobleman and politician. He held the title of Knight of the Garter (KG), which is a very special award.
Contents
The Life of Theophilus Howard
Theophilus Howard was born into a powerful family. He took on many important roles during his lifetime, serving the King and his country.
Early Life and Family
Theophilus was born at Saffron Walden, a family estate in England. His father was Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk, and his mother was Catherine Knyvet. In 1626, when his father passed away, Theophilus became the 2nd Earl of Suffolk. He also inherited the title of 2nd Baron Howard de Walden.
Along with these titles, he took over some of his father's jobs. He became the Lord-Lieutenant for several counties, including Suffolk, Cambridge, and Dorset. A Lord-Lieutenant was like the King's main representative in a county.
A Life in the Royal Court
Theophilus Howard was active in the royal court, taking part in various events and important decisions.
Dancing in Masques
He enjoyed performing in masques, which were special plays or dances put on for the King and Queen. In 1607, he danced in Lord Hay's Masque to celebrate a wedding. In 1608, he performed in The Hue and Cry After Cupid at Whitehall Palace. He even danced in a masque for Anne of Denmark, the Queen, in 1613.
Helping Settle Virginia
In 1609, King James I included Theophilus Howard in the Second Charter of Virginia. This charter created a group called "The Treasurer and Company of Adventurers and Planters of the City of London for the First Colony in Virginia." This group was very important for setting up the first English colonies in America.
A Member of Parliament
Theophilus was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Maldon in 1605. An MP is a person elected to represent their area in the country's government. He served as an MP until 1610, when he became a Baron. This meant he moved to the House of Lords, which is another part of the government.
Patron of Arts and Literature
Theophilus Howard supported writers and musicians during his time.
Supporting Don Quixote
He was the person to whom the first English translation of Don Quixote was dedicated. This famous book was translated by Shelton and published in London in 1612. It's not fully known why Shelton chose Theophilus, but it shows his connection to important cultural works.
Supporting Music
Theophilus was also the dedicatee of the last book of songs by the famous musician John Dowland. This book, called "A Pilgrimes Solace," was also published in 1612.
Travels and Diplomacy
Theophilus Howard also traveled and was involved in important diplomatic discussions.
A Trip to Scotland
In 1613, Theophilus visited Scotland. He stayed in different places, including Broxmouth House and a house in Edinburgh. He visited Dunfermline Palace and saw the coal mines at Culross. He also went to Stirling Castle and Falkland Palace before returning to England.
Diplomatic Dealings
His parents received money from Spanish diplomats. In 1617, they were offered money from the Dutch. Theophilus talked with the Spanish ambassador, Diego Sarmiento de Acuña, Count of Gondomar. He convinced his parents not to take the Dutch offer. In return, the Spanish ambassador gave Theophilus a very valuable diamond jewel.
Homes and Estates
Theophilus Howard owned several important properties. He owned Framlingham Castle in Suffolk, which he sold in 1635 for £14,000. He also owned Audley End House in Essex, a grand house that his father had built.
He passed away in 1640 at Suffolk House in Charing Cross, London. He was buried on June 10, 1640, in Saffron Walden.
Marriage and Children
In March 1612, Theophilus Howard married Elizabeth Home. She was the daughter of George Home, 1st Earl of Dunbar. Elizabeth had been a friend of Princess Elizabeth, the daughter of King James I. They had nine children together:
- James Howard, 3rd Earl of Suffolk (around 1620–1689)
- Thomas Howard (1621–1681)
- Katherine Howard (died 1650)
- Elizabeth Howard (died March 11, 1705)
- Margaret Howard
- George Howard, 4th Earl of Suffolk (1625–1691)
- Henry Howard, 5th Earl of Suffolk (1627–1709)
- Anne Howard
- Frances Howard (around 1633–1677)
