Howard family
The Howard family traces its documented roots to Great Howarth Hall in Rochdale, Lancashire. Sir William Dugdale compiled a pedigree on the 8th of April 1665 stating the family derives from the Howards of that hall. Osbert Howard de Howarth received lands in Rochdale for serving as Master of King Henry I's Buckhounds. A young William Howard left Lancashire around 1237 to settle in Norfolk and practice law. He became knighted circa 1278 and appointed Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in 1297. His son John Howard I served as Sheriff of Norfolk and Suffolk until his death in 1308. The family claims legendary descent from Hereward the Wake, resister of the Norman Conquest. This claim appears in folklore but lacks direct historical proof compared to the Lancashire lineage.
John Howard became Duke of Norfolk on the 28th of June 1483 following service to King Richard III. He was the eldest grandson though maternal of the first Duke of the initial creation. Anne Mowbray died at age nine in 1481 after declaring her widower illegitimate. Richard III created John Howard duke of a new creation marking the 200th anniversary of the Barony of Mowbray. John had previously been summoned to Parliament as Lord Howard by Edward IV. He also gained the hereditary title Earl Marshal. Thomas Howard, second Duke of Norfolk, later became grandfather to two English queens. The Howards regained favor with the Tudor dynasty after defending England against Scottish invasion at Flodden.
Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard both married Henry VIII as wives of the king. Anne Boleyn was the daughter of Thomas Howard's son Surrey. Catherine Howard served as fifth wife and Queen consort to Henry VIII. Their uncle Thomas Howard third Duke played significant roles in Henrician politics. Both women faced execution or death due to political turmoil surrounding their marriages. Anne Boleyn fell from grace while Catherine Howard was executed for alleged adultery. These events deeply impacted the family's standing during the Reformation era. The connection between these queens and the Howard lineage remains central to understanding their historical prominence.
Four consecutive members of the Howard family fell from grace over Catholic beliefs. Thomas Howard third Duke and his son Henry Howard Earl of Surrey were imprisoned late 1546. They faced accusations involving plots to usurp Prince Edward's crown. Surrey died January 1547 while his father survived until Henry VIII's death. Philip Howard thirteenth Earl of Arundel remained imprisoned in Tower of London from 1585 until October 1595. He suffered dysentery before dying after over ten years confinement. Thomas Howard fourth Duke participated in Ridolfi Plot discovered September 1571. He was tried for high treason and executed June 1572. It became tradition among Howards to suffer persecution for maintaining Roman Catholic faith.
Charles Howard first Earl of Nottingham served as Lord High Admiral commanding English fleet against Spanish Armada. His line descended from fourth son of second Duke who commanded forces at Flodden. This branch formed additional titles including Earls of Effingham and Carlisle. The Earl of Effingham line was excluded from inheriting Dukedom upon restoration despite military contributions. Charles Howard led naval operations that defeated invading Spanish forces during Elizabethan era. These victories secured England's maritime dominance and protected the realm from foreign invasion threats. Military service remained a consistent theme across multiple generations of Howard family members.
Repeated attainders and restorations affected both Duchy and Earl Marshalship between fifteenth and seventeenth centuries. Before Charles II restored titles permanently, Howards inherited ancient Earl of Arundel title through heiress. They formed branches continuing to present day including Barons Howard of Penrith and Earls of Suffolk. The Earl of Norfolk title created in 1644 passed through various holders until modern times. Several baronies like Stafford and Escrick existed briefly before extinction or merger with other titles. The complex history reflects political instability affecting noble families throughout English history. Restoration under Charles II finally stabilized the family's position within peerage system.
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Common questions
Where did the Howard family originate according to Sir William Dugdale?
The Howard family traces its documented roots to Great Howarth Hall in Rochdale, Lancashire. Sir William Dugdale compiled a pedigree on the 8th of April 1665 stating the family derives from the Howards of that hall.
When was John Howard created Duke of Norfolk and what were his titles before this date?
John Howard became Duke of Norfolk on the 28th of June 1483 following service to King Richard III. He had previously been summoned to Parliament as Lord Howard by Edward IV and gained the hereditary title Earl Marshal.
Which two Howard women married Henry VIII and how did their marriages end?
Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard both married Henry VIII as wives of the king. Anne Boleyn fell from grace while Catherine Howard was executed for alleged adultery due to political turmoil surrounding their marriages.
Why did four consecutive members of the Howard family fall from grace during the sixteenth century?
Four consecutive members of the Howard family fell from grace over Catholic beliefs including Thomas Howard third Duke and Philip Howard thirteenth Earl of Arundel. It became tradition among Howards to suffer persecution for maintaining Roman Catholic faith which led to imprisonment or execution.
What role did Charles Howard first Earl of Nottingham play in English naval history?
Charles Howard first Earl of Nottingham served as Lord High Admiral commanding English fleet against Spanish Armada. His line descended from fourth son of second Duke who commanded forces at Flodden and he led naval operations that defeated invading Spanish forces during Elizabethan era.