William Howard, 3rd Baron Howard of Escrick facts for kids

William Howard, 3rd Baron Howard of Escrick (around 1626–1694) was an English nobleman who served as a soldier and was involved in politics during a very interesting time in England's history. He was known for being a Parliamentarian, which meant he supported the Parliament against the King at times.

Early Life and Beginnings

William Howard was born around 1626. His father was Edward Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Escrick. William went to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, in 1646 to study. Later, he joined Lincoln's Inn, which is a place where people train to become lawyers.

Soldier and Early Politics

By 1653, William Howard was a soldier in Oliver Cromwell's special guard unit. Cromwell was a very powerful leader in England at that time. William Howard was also known for being a "preacher" among a group called the Anabaptists. He believed in a republic, which means a country ruled by elected officials instead of a king. Because of these beliefs, he took part in some political plans between 1655 and 1656.

Imprisonment and Release

In 1657, William Howard was sent to the Fleet Prison. This was a common prison in London. He asked Richard Cromwell, Oliver Cromwell's son, for his freedom. He was released in 1658.

Political Career and Challenges

In 1660, a powerful person named Sir Edward Hyde noticed William Howard. Howard seemed eager to help the King, and he knew a lot about the different political groups. He was elected to be a Member of Parliament for Winchelsea in the Convention Parliament. This was a special Parliament that met to decide the future of England after a period of great change.

Secret Letters and Tower Time

In 1674, it was discovered that William Howard was secretly writing letters to Holland. This was a serious matter because Holland was a rival country at the time. He spent several months in the Tower of London, a famous prison. He was only set free after he told everything he knew.

Becoming a Baron

In 1678, William Howard became the 3rd Baron Howard of Escrick after his brother, Thomas Howard, 2nd Baron Howard of Escrick, passed away. This meant he became a member of the House of Lords, which is part of the English Parliament. He was involved in committees that looked into information from a person named Titus Oates. He also played a role in the trial of his relative, William Howard, 1st Viscount Stafford.

More Imprisonment and Release

In 1681, William Howard was sent to the Tower of London again. This time, it was because of a false accusation by Edward Fitzharris, who claimed Howard wrote a paper called True Englishman. A person named Algernon Sidney helped him get released in February 1682. After this, he joined a group called the "country party," which was against the King's government. This group was an early form of the Whig political party.

The Rye House Plot and Later Life

William Howard was arrested when the first rumors of the Rye House plot began. This plot was a plan to harm the King and his brother. When he was put on trial, he decided to become an "informer." This means he told the court what he knew about the plot.

Informer Role

In July 1683, William Howard gave information at the trial of William Russell, Lord Russell. He described meetings that took place at the homes of John Hampden and Lord Russell. His testimony was a main reason why Lord Russell was found guilty. Howard's evidence also led to the conviction of Algernon Sidney, who had helped him before. However, another person, Henry Booth, 1st Earl of Warrington, was lucky. His fellow peers (other noblemen) did not believe Howard's accusations against him.

Final Years

William Howard himself was pardoned, meaning he was forgiven for his part in the plot. He lived out his final years quietly in York and passed away in April 1694.

Family Life

William Howard was married to Frances, who was the daughter of Sir James Bridgman. They had six children together. One of their sons was Charles, who became the 4th Baron. When Charles died in 1715, the title of Baron Howard of Escrick came to an end.

Images for kids

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  This is a ledger stone, like a special grave marker, for Lady Howard of Escrick, William Howard's wife. It's located in St Mary Magdalene's Church in Richmond.