Howard Dukes of Norfolk

Howard Dukes of Norfolk are the premier dukes in the Peerage of England, a title held by the senior line of the House of Howard. The family has been central to English history for over five centuries, serving as Earl Marshal and playing pivotal roles in politics, religion, and the military. As hereditary holders of the office of Earl Marshal, they oversee state ceremonies such as the State Opening of Parliament and the Coronation of the British monarch.

History of the Dukedom

The title was first created in 1483 for John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk, a loyal supporter of King Richard III. The title was forfeit after the Battle of Bosworth Field but was restored in 1514 for Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, who had distinguished himself at the Battle of Flodden. The Howard family's fortunes have since been marked by dramatic reversals, including the execution of the third Duke under Henry VIII and the attainder of the fourth Duke under Elizabeth I for his involvement in the Ridolfi plot. The title was restored again in 1660 following the English Restoration under Charles II. Throughout the Glorious Revolution, the Jacobite risings, and the Catholic emancipation period, the family maintained its prominence despite its Roman Catholic faith, which long barred them from certain public offices.

List of Howard Dukes of Norfolk

The following is a list of the Howard holders of the title since its 1514 creation. The numbering continues from the first creation. Key figures include Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, who was uncle to both Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard; Henry Howard, 6th Duke of Norfolk, who returned the family to favor after the Restoration; and Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke of Norfolk, a prominent Victorian philanthropist. The current holder is Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk, who organized the coronation of King Charles III. The heir apparent is his son, Henry Fitzalan-Howard, Earl of Arundel.

Role and Responsibilities

The principal duty of the Duke of Norfolk is serving as the hereditary Earl Marshal of England, a position formalized in 1672. This makes the Duke responsible for organizing major state ceremonies, including the Coronation of the British monarch, the State Opening of Parliament, and royal funerals like the State funeral of Elizabeth II. The role also involves working closely with the College of Arms on matters of heraldry and precedence. Historically, the Dukes have also held significant military commands, such as during the Battle of the Solent and the English Civil War, and have served in the House of Lords.

Residences and Estates

The principal seat of the Dukes of Norfolk is Arundel Castle in West Sussex, a restored medieval castle that hosts the annual Arundel Festival. Other major historic seats have included Framlingham Castle in Suffolk and the now-lost Duke's Palace in Norwich. The family's extensive landholdings, known as the Norfolk Estates, span several counties and include significant properties in Sheffield, where the Duke of Norfolk was a major landowner instrumental in the city's development, influencing projects like Sheffield Town Hall. The family also owns Glossop Hall in Derbyshire.

Heraldry and Symbols

The coat of arms of the Howard Dukes of Norfolk features a central shield with the arms of Thomas of Brotherton, a son of King Edward I, from whom the dukedom derives its seniority. The shield is supported by a lion and a horse, and the crest is a lion statant. The motto is Sola Virtus Invicta. As Earl Marshal, the Duke is entitled to use distinctive heraldic badges and banners, and the College of Arms operates under his authority. The family's Garter stall plate is displayed in St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.

Category:Dukes of Norfolk Category:Howard family Category:British nobility