Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Berkshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Berkshire
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Coat of arms of Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Berkshire
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| Born | 8 October 1587 Saffron Walden, Essex
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| Died | 16 July 1669 (aged 81) |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Cecil |
| Children | Charles Howard, 2nd Earl of Berkshire Mary Howard Thomas Howard, 3rd Earl of Berkshire Henry Howard William Howard Robert Howard Elizabeth Howard Philip Howard Frances Howard James Howard Algernon Howard Edward Howard Diana Howard |
| Parent(s) | Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk Catherine Knyvet. |
Thomas Howard, the 1st Earl of Berkshire (born October 8, 1587 – died July 16, 1669), was an important English politician. He served in the English Parliament, called the House of Commons, for many years between 1605 and 1622. Later, in 1626, he was given the special title of Earl of Berkshire.
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Life of Thomas Howard
Thomas Howard was born in a town called Saffron Walden in Essex. He was the second son of Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk and his wife, Catherine Knyvet. He went to Magdalene College, Cambridge for his education.
Early Career in Politics
In 1604, Thomas Howard was made a knight. The next year, in 1605, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Lancaster. A Member of Parliament is someone who represents a group of people in the government.
He continued his political career. In 1614, he was elected as an MP for Wiltshire. Then, in 1621, he became an MP for Cricklade.
Becoming an Earl
In 1621, Thomas Howard was given the title of Baron Howard of Charlton. This meant he became a lord. A few years later, on February 7, 1626, he received an even higher title: Earl of Berkshire. He also inherited a large property called Charlton Park in Wiltshire from his mother.
During the English Civil War
During the English Civil War, which was a big fight within England, Thomas Howard supported the King. People who supported the King were called Royalists. Even after the King's side lost the war, the Parliament (the other side) left him alone.
After the war, when King Charles II returned to the throne in what was called the Restoration of Charles II, Thomas Howard was given an important role. He became a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, which meant he was a close attendant to the King.
Thomas Howard's Family
In 1614, Thomas Howard married Elizabeth Cecil. She was the daughter of William Cecil, 2nd Earl of Exeter. Thomas and Elizabeth had a large family with thirteen children.
Children of Thomas and Elizabeth
- Charles Howard, 2nd Earl of Berkshire (1615–1679)
- Mary Howard (1616–1679)
- Thomas Howard, 3rd Earl of Berkshire (1619–1706)
- Henry Howard
- William Howard
- Sir Robert Howard (1626–1698)
- Elizabeth Howard, who married John Dryden
- Colonel Philip Howard (1629–1717)
- Frances Howard, who married Conyers Darcy, 2nd Earl of Holderness
- James Howard
- Algernon Howard
- Edward Howard
- Diana Howard (1636–1713)
