Thomas Howard, 8th Duke of Norfolk facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Grace The Duke of Norfolk
The Duke in 1725, by Richard von Bleeck
Earl Marshal
In office 2 April 1701 – 23 December 1732
Monarch	William III Anne George I George II of Great Britain
Preceded by	The 7th Duke of Norfolk
Succeeded by	The 9th Duke of Norfolk
Member of the House of Lords Lord Temporal
In office 2 April 1701 – 23 December 1732 Hereditary Peerage
Preceded by	The 7th Duke of Norfolk
Succeeded by	The 9th Duke of Norfolk
Personal details
Born	11 December 1683
Died	23 December 1732 (1732-12-24) (aged 49)

Thomas Howard, 8th Duke of Norfolk (born December 11, 1683 – died December 23, 1732) was an important English nobleman and a leader in government. He was the first son of Lord Thomas Howard and Mary Elizabeth Savile. He became the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl Marshal after his uncle, Henry Howard, 7th Duke of Norfolk, passed away.

Thomas Howard married Maria Shireburn on May 26, 1709. She was 16 years old at the time. Maria was the daughter of Sir Nicholas Shireburn.

Becoming a Duke

Thomas Howard inherited his main titles, including the 8th Duke of Norfolk and 17th Baron Furnivall, in 1701. This happened after his uncle, Henry Howard, 7th Duke of Norfolk, died. The title of Duke of Norfolk is one of the oldest and most important noble titles in England. The Earl Marshal is a special role in the royal household. This person helps organize big events like coronations and state funerals.

A Time of Change: Politics and Plots

During a time known as the Jacobite Rising of 1715, there were people who wanted to bring a different king to the throne. Thomas Howard used his influence to help his brother, Edward, who was accused of serious crimes against the government. Edward was found not guilty thanks to his brother's help.

Later, in October 1722, Thomas Howard himself was arrested. People suspected he was involved in a Jacobite plot. He was held in the famous Tower of London. His wife, Maria, was not allowed to visit him. However, she managed to convince another important person, the Earl of Carlisle, to help him get out of prison on bail in May 1723.

Leading the Freemasons

From 1729 to 1730, Thomas Howard held a very important position. He was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of England. This means he was the top leader of a group called the Freemasons during that time.

His Family Life and Legacy

Thomas Howard's marriage to Maria Shireburn was not very happy. They eventually separated. He passed away on December 23, 1732, when he was 49 years old. He did not have any children. After his death, his titles and responsibilities passed to his brother, Edward Howard.