William Feilding, 1st Earl of Denbigh facts for kids
William Feilding, 1st Earl of Denbigh (born around 1587 – died April 8, 1643, Cannock) was an important person in the English royal court. He was the brother-in-law and a close friend of the King's favourite, the Duke of Buckingham. Because of this connection, William Feilding played a big part in major political, military, and diplomatic events. This happened during the later years of King James I's rule and under King Charles I.
Contents
William Feilding's Early Life and Family
William Feilding was the son of Basil Feilding and Elizabeth Aston. His father, Basil, was from Newnham Paddox in Warwickshire. William started studying at Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 1603.
In 1606, William Feilding married Susan Villiers. Susan was the sister of George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham. George Villiers became a very close friend and trusted advisor to King James I. This made him very powerful.
How William Feilding Gained Power
Because of his marriage to Buckingham's sister, William Feilding and his wife gained many important positions and titles. A historian from the 1800s described William Feilding as "a simple country gentleman who was lucky enough to marry Buckingham's sister when she was not rich."
William Feilding was made a knight on March 4, 1607. Later, he was given the titles of Baron and Viscount Feilding in 1620. Just two years later, he became the Master of the Great Wardrobe. This was an important role in charge of the royal household's clothing and other items. He also became the Custos Rotulorum of Warwickshire, a senior justice of the peace. On September 14, 1622, he was made the Earl of Denbigh.
Important Roles and Missions
William Feilding took part in many important events during his life.
Adventures and Military Service
- He joined Prince Charles on a trip to Spain.
- He served as an admiral in the navy during the Cadiz Expedition in 1625. This mission was not successful.
- In 1628, he led a difficult attempt to help the city of La Rochelle, which also did not go well.
- That same year, he became a member of the Council of war.
- In 1633, he joined the Council of Wales and the Marches.
Diplomatic Journey to the East
In 1631, Lord Denbigh went on a diplomatic mission to the East. He was sent as an ambassador to the court of Safi of Persia. He also visited the East India Company's early trading posts in India. In 1632, Lord Denbigh met with the Mogul emperor. He returned to England in late 1633.
A Close Call and His Final Battle
On July 6, 1641, a boat carrying Feilding and some other people overturned near London Bridge. One person drowned, but William Feilding and the others were rescued.
When the English Civil War began, William Feilding fought for the King. He served under Prince Rupert of the Rhine. He was present at the Battle of Edgehill. On April 3, 1643, during Prince Rupert's attack on Birmingham, William Feilding was wounded. He died from his injuries five days later, on April 8. He was buried at Monks Kirby in Warwickshire. People like Edward Hyde, Earl of Clarendon, praised him for his bravery and dedication.
William Feilding's Children
Sir William Feilding and his wife, Susan Villiers, had six children:
- Basil Feilding, 2nd Earl of Denbigh (born around 1608 – died 1675)
- George Feilding, 1st Earl of Desmond (born around 1614 – died 1665)
- Lady Mary Feilding (1613–1638), who married James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton.
- Lady Anne Feilding (died 1636), who married Baptist Noel, 3rd Viscount Campden.
- Elizabeth Feilding, Countess of Guildford (died 1667), who married Lewis Boyle, 1st Viscount Boyle.
- Lady Henrietta Marie Feilding (died young)
His daughter, Lady Mary Feilding, was also known as Margaret. She married James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton. He was one of the people who could have become King of Scotland after the children of King James VI (who was also James I of England). Famous artists like Anthony van Dyck painted her portrait.
William Feilding's oldest son, Basil, became the next Earl of Denbigh. His second son, George Feilding, was given the title of Earl of Desmond in 1622. This happened at the same time his father became Earl of Denbigh. George was only about eight years old then. The title of Earl of Desmond was an Irish title, which was considered less important than an English title like Earl of Denbigh.
