Thomas Howard, 1st Viscount Howard of Bindon facts for kids
Thomas Howard, 1st Viscount Howard of Bindon (born around 1520 – died 1582), was an important English nobleman and a politician. He was the youngest son of Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk and Lady Elizabeth Stafford. He held important roles in the county of Dorset. For example, he was the chief keeper of the county's records and also a naval officer. In 1559, Queen Elizabeth I of England made him a viscount. He chose the title "Viscount Howard of Bindon" from Bindon Abbey in Dorset. He owned many of the lands that used to belong to this abbey. Thomas had eight children with his three wives.
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Who Was Thomas Howard?
Thomas Howard was born into a very powerful and noble family in England. His father was a Duke, which is a very high rank in the nobility. Being a viscount meant he was also a peer, which gave him a special position in society and government. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I, a famous queen of England.
His Role in Dorset
Thomas Howard had important jobs in the county of Dorset.
- He was the Custos Rotulorum of Dorset. This means he was the main person in charge of keeping the county's records. He also looked after the peace and order in the area.
- He was also the Vice-Admiral of Dorset. This role meant he helped manage naval affairs and protect the coast in that region.
Becoming a Viscount
In 1559, Queen Elizabeth I decided to give Thomas Howard a special honor. She made him a viscount. This is a title of nobility, ranking above a baron and below an earl. He chose the name "Bindon" for his title. This was because he owned a lot of land that used to belong to Bindon Abbey. This abbey was a large religious building in Dorset before it was closed down.
Thomas Howard's Family
Thomas Howard was married three times and had many children. His children went on to marry into other important families in England.
Children with Elizabeth Marney
His first wife was Elizabeth Marney. She was the daughter of John Marney, 2nd Baron Marney. Together, they had five children:
- Henry Howard, 2nd Viscount Howard of Bindon
- Thomas Howard, 3rd Viscount Howard of Bindon
- Francis Howard
- Giles Howard
- Grace Howard
Children with Gertrude Lyte
His second wife was Gertrude Lyte. They had two children:
- Charles Howard
- Anne Howard, who married two times. Her first husband was Sir William Thornhurst. Their son, Gifford Thornhurst, later married Susanna Temple. Anne's second husband was John Turberville.
Children with Mabel Burton
His third wife was Mabel Burton, the daughter of Nicholas Burton. They had one daughter:
- Frances Howard. She also married more than once. Her second husband was Edward Seymour, 1st Earl of Hertford. Her third husband was Ludovic Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox and 1st Duke of Richmond.
