Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk
Thomas Howard entered the world in 1443 at Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk. He was the only surviving son of John Howard and his first wife Katherine. His mother was the daughter of Sir William Moleyns and Margery. The young boy received his education at Thetford Grammar School. This early foundation prepared him for a life of service to English monarchs.
A young Thomas Howard took the King's side when war broke out in 1469 with the Earl of Warwick. He sought sanctuary at Colchester when Edward IV fled to Holland in 1470. Howard rejoined royal forces upon the King's return to England in 1471. He suffered severe wounds at the Battle of Barnet on the 14th of April 1471. On the 14th of January 1478 he received knighthood from Edward IV at a royal wedding.
Howard refused an escape opportunity during the rebellion of the Earl of Lincoln in 1487. This choice likely convinced Henry VII of his loyalty after years of imprisonment. In May 1489 Henry restored him to the earldom of Surrey despite land restrictions. The King sent him north to quell a rebellion in Yorkshire. Surrey remained as lieutenant until 1499 while living at Sheriff Hutton Castle. He led commands against invading Scots starting in 1496 or 1497.
King James IV of Scotland launched an invasion into England shortly after the 30th of June 1513. Thomas Howard crushed James's much larger force near Branxton, Northumberland on the 9th of September 1513. The Scots may have lost as many as 10,000 men during this engagement. King James himself was killed in the battle. The victory brought great popular renown and royal rewards to Howard. On the 1st of February 1514 he became the 2nd Duke of Norfolk at age 71.
In 1514 Howard joined Wolsey and Foxe in negotiating Mary Tudor's marriage to Louis XII of France. He escorted her to France for the wedding ceremony. Howard challenged Thomas Wolsey to become first minister but eventually accepted Wolsey's supremacy. In May 1521 he presided over the trial of Edward Stafford, 3rd Duke of Buckingham. David M. Head recorded that Howard pronounced the death sentence with tears streaming down his face.
On the 30th of April 1472 Howard married Elizabeth Tilney, daughter of Sir Frederick Tilney of Ashwellthorpe. They had children including Thomas Howard who became the 3rd Duke of Norfolk. His son Edmund Howard fathered Henry VIII's fifth Queen Katherine Howard. Elizabeth Howard married Thomas Boleyn and became mother of Queen Anne Boleyn. This lineage made him the grandfather of two queens and great-grandfather of Elizabeth I. Howard died on the 21st of May 1524 after retiring to Framlingham Castle.
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Common questions
When and where was Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk born?
Thomas Howard entered the world in 1443 at Stoke-by-Nayland, Suffolk. He received his education at Thetford Grammar School before beginning a life of service to English monarchs.
What happened to Thomas Howard during the Battle of Barnet on the 14th of April 1471?
He suffered severe wounds at the Battle of Barnet on the 14th of April 1471 while fighting for Edward IV. This battle occurred after he rejoined royal forces upon the King's return to England in 1471.
How did Thomas Howard become the 2nd Duke of Norfolk on the 1st of February 1514?
King James IV of Scotland launched an invasion into England shortly after the 30th of June 1513 which led to the Battle of Flodden Field. Thomas Howard crushed James's much larger force near Branxton, Northumberland on the 9th of September 1513 and became the 2nd Duke of Norfolk at age 71 on the 1st of February 1514.
Who were the children of Thomas Howard 2nd Duke of Norfolk who married Elizabeth Tilney?
His son Edmund Howard fathered Henry VIII's fifth Queen Katherine Howard. His daughter Elizabeth Howard married Thomas Boleyn and became mother of Queen Anne Boleyn.
When did Thomas Howard die and where did he retire before his death?
Howard died on the 21st of May 1524 after retiring to Framlingham Castle. He had previously lived at Sheriff Hutton Castle while serving as lieutenant until 1499.