William Somerset, 3rd Earl of Worcester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Worcester
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| 3rd Earl of Worcester | |
William Somerset, 3rd Earl of Worcester in his suit of Greenwich armor
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| Tenure | 1549–1589 |
| Successor | Edward Somerset, 4th Earl of Worcester |
| Born | c. 1526/1527 |
| Died | 21 February 1589 Hackney |
| Buried | Church of St Cadoc, Raglan, Monmouthshire |
| Nationality | English |
| Spouse(s) | Christiana North |
| Issue | Edward Somerset, 4th Earl of Worcester Elizabeth Somerset Lucy Somerset |
| Parents | Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester Elizabeth Somerset, Countess of Worcester (d. 1565) |
William Somerset, 3rd Earl of Worcester (born around 1526 or 1527, died February 21, 1589) was an important English nobleman. He was a courtier, meaning he spent time at the royal court and served the monarch. He was also a politician. William was the oldest son of Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester and his second wife, Elizabeth Browne.
Becoming the Earl of Worcester
William Somerset became the 3rd Earl of Worcester on November 26, 1549. This happened after his father passed away.
In 1553, William supported Lady Jane Grey. She was a young queen who ruled for only nine days. Later, in 1570, William was given a special honor. He became a Knight of the Garter, which is a very old and important award in England.
William Somerset also loved and supported the arts. He helped artists and performers, like the famous actor Edward Alleyn. This was during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
William's Family Life
Before May 19, 1550, William Somerset married Christiana North. She was the daughter of Edward North, 1st Baron North. William and Christiana had three children together:
- Edward Somerset, 4th Earl of Worcester (who later became the 4th Earl).
- Elizabeth Somerset. She married a man named William Windsor.
- Lucy Somerset. She married Henry Herbert.
His Final Years
William Somerset passed away at his home in Hackney on February 21, 1589. He was buried in the Church of St Cadoc, Raglan, Monmouthshire.
