Thomas Weston, 4th Earl of Portland facts for kids

Thomas Weston, 4th Earl of Portland (born October 9, 1609 – died May 1688) was an important person in English history. He was a nobleman, which means he belonged to a high-ranking family. Thomas was the younger son of Richard Weston, 1st Earl of Portland, who was the first person in his family to hold the title of Earl of Portland. His mother was Frances Walgrave. Thomas was born in a place called Nayland in Suffolk, England.

Who Was Thomas Weston?

Thomas Weston was part of a noble family in England. Being an "Earl" meant he held a special title and had a high social rank. This title was passed down through his family.

Family and Early Life

Thomas Weston grew up in England. His father, Richard Weston, was a very important person who was given the title of the 1st Earl of Portland. Thomas was not the oldest son. His older brother, Jerome Weston, 2nd Earl of Portland, was next in line to inherit their father's title.

How He Became an Earl

When their father, the 1st Earl, passed away in 1635, Thomas's older brother Jerome became the 2nd Earl of Portland. Jerome then passed the title to his own son, Charles Weston, 3rd Earl of Portland, in 1662.

However, Charles, the 3rd Earl, did not have any children of his own. This meant he had no direct "heir" to pass the title to. When Charles died in 1665, the title needed to go to the next closest male relative. That person was Thomas, who then became the 4th Earl of Portland.

The End of His Title

Lord Portland, Thomas Weston, married a woman named Anne Boteler. She was the daughter of the 1st Baron Boteler and had been married before to the 1st Earl of Newport. However, Thomas and Anne did not have any children together.

When Thomas Weston died in May 1688, his family's land and money went to his nieces. These were the daughters of his older brother, the 2nd Earl. But because Thomas had no children, his title of Earl of Portland could not be passed on. This meant the title "became extinct," which means it ended and no one else could use it after him.