Thomas Howard (British Army officer, born 1684) facts for kids

Lieutenant-General Thomas Howard (1684 – 31 March 1753) was an important officer in the British Army. He is an ancestor of the family that includes the current Earls of Effingham.

Thomas Howard's Life

Early Life and Family

Thomas Howard was born in 1684 and was the only son of George Howard. His family had a long history, connected to the Barons Howard of Effingham. Thomas was baptized in Great Bookham on August 13, 1684. Sadly, his father passed away that same year. Later, in 1744, Thomas put up a special memorial in Great Bookham Church to remember his parents and his siblings.

His Military Career

Thomas Howard began his army career as an ensign on February 4, 1703. He served in the War of the Spanish Succession, fighting in places like the Netherlands and Germany. He was part of the army led by the famous Duke of Marlborough.

In 1707, as a captain, he fought in the Battle of Almanza and was captured by the enemy. He was a prisoner in France for two years. Even while captured, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in 1708. He fought again at the Battle of Brihuega in 1710, where he was captured once more!

On November 15, 1711, he was given a special promotion to colonel. At one point, he lost his position because of his political views, but King George I brought him back into the army. In 1717, he bought the leadership role (called a colonelcy) of the 24th Regiment of Foot.

Howard continued to rise through the ranks. He became a brigadier-general in 1735 and a major-general in 1739. For several years, he was a special helper (aide-de-camp) to King George II. In 1742, he went to Flanders to join the army there and was made Governor of Berwick.

On February 1, 1743, he was promoted to lieutenant-general. That same year, he fought under King George II at the Battle of Dettingen. Thomas Howard retired from active service in 1749. He gave his regiment to his son, George. He remained Governor of Berwick until he passed away.

Family and Descendants

On February 28, 1717, Thomas Howard married Mary Moreton in Dublin. Together, they had several children:

• Sir George Howard (1718–1796): He followed in his father's footsteps and became a Field Marshal. He had one daughter, Ann, who later married General Richard Vyse.
• Francis and Thomas: Both died without marrying.
• Henry Howard (1736–1811): He lived in Arundel. His son, Kenneth Alexander Howard, later became the 11th Baron Howard of Effingham and was created the first Earl of Effingham in 1837. He is the ancestor of all the Earls of Effingham who came after him.
• Henrietta Diana: She died without marrying.
• Mary: She married Sir Francis Vincent, 7th Baronet.
• Catherine: She married Field Marshal Studholme Hodgson.
• Sarah: Born in 1738.

Thomas Howard lived in London from 1735. He passed away there on March 31, 1753, and was buried in Great Bookham. His wife, Mary Howard, lived until 1782.