Howard family

Howard family
Name	Howard family
Caption	The arms of the Duke of Norfolk, the family's senior title.
Ethnicity	English
Region	East Anglia, England
Origin	Norfolk, England
Founded	c. 13th century
Founder	Sir William Howard (d. 1308)
Current head	Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk
Titles	* Duke of Norfolk * Earl of Arundel * Earl of Surrey * Earl of Norfolk * Baron Howard of Glossop * Baron Mowbray * Baron Segrave
Connected members	Catherine Howard, Anne Boleyn, Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk
Other families	Fitzalan-Howard family, Mowbray family, Plantagenet (by marriage)

Howard family. The Howards are a prominent English noble family and the premier peers in the Peerage of England. For centuries, they have held the hereditary title of Duke of Norfolk and the position of Earl Marshal, making them central figures in state ceremonies and the College of Arms. Their history is deeply intertwined with the Tudor and Stuart courts, marked by both immense political power and dramatic religious persecution.

Origins and early history

The family's traceable lineage begins with Sir William Howard, a Chief Justice of the Common Pleas under Edward I. His descendants consolidated their position in East Anglia, particularly in Norfolk. A pivotal early figure was Sir John Howard, who fought at the Battle of Agincourt and was knighted by Henry V. The family's fortunes were significantly elevated through marriage in the 15th century when John Howard's son, another Sir John, married Margaret Mowbray, daughter of Thomas Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk. This union brought the Howards a claim to the vast Mowbray estates and a direct connection to the Plantagenet dynasty, setting the stage for their ascent to the highest ranks of the Peerage of England.

Rise to prominence: The Dukes of Norfolk

The family's rise culminated in 1483 when John Howard was created the first Duke of Norfolk by Richard III, a title forfeited after the Battle of Bosworth Field but restored in 1514 to Thomas Howard. The 2nd Duke, a skilled military commander, secured the family's restoration by leading victories at the Battle of Flodden against James IV of Scotland. His son, Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke, became a dominant and ruthless figure in the court of Henry VIII, acting as Lord High Treasurer and presiding over the trials of his own nieces, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard. Despite this, the family survived the English Reformation's turmoil, with the 4th Duke's execution for his role in the Ridolfi plot against Elizabeth I being a major setback.

Notable members and branches

Beyond the senior Norfolk line, the family includes numerous notable figures and cadet branches. Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Nottingham, was the Lord High Admiral who commanded the fleet against the Spanish Armada. The Earl of Suffolk and Earl of Carlisle titles were created for other branches. In the 19th century, the 15th Duke was a major political force and served as Postmaster General. The Baron Howard of Glossop branch remains closely associated with the main line. The family is also linked by marriage to other aristocratic houses like the Cavendishes of Chatsworth House and the Herveys.

Political and religious affiliations

Historically, the Howards were staunchly Catholic, a faith that defined their political allegiances and perils. Their adherence to the Old Faith led to repeated periods of disgrace, imprisonment, and execution, particularly during the reigns of Elizabeth I and the early Stuarts. Key figures like St. Philip Howard died imprisoned in the Tower of London and was later canonized as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales. The family's political influence was often exercised through the House of Lords, where they led the Catholic cause. In the 19th century, they aligned with the Conservative Party, with several dukes serving in governments under Prime Ministers like Benjamin Disraeli.

Estates and properties

The family's principal seat is Arundel Castle in West Sussex, the historic home of the Earls of Arundel, a title merged with the dukedom. Other significant historical properties included Framlingham Castle in Suffolk, now under the care of English Heritage, and the now-lost Duke's Palace in Norwich. The Norfolk House in London was a major political salon. The family also holds extensive agricultural and residential estates, including the Sheffield-based Norfolk Estate and Glossop in Derbyshire. Many art treasures and manuscripts from their collections are now held in institutions like the British Library and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Legacy and heraldry

The Howard legacy is embedded in English history, from the battlefields of the Wars of the Roses to the corridors of Westminster. They hold the hereditary office of Earl Marshal, responsible for state occasions like coronations and the State Opening of Parliament. Their coat of arms, featuring the famous bend with six cross-crosslets, is one of the most recognizable in English heraldry. The family continues to play a ceremonial role, with the current 18th Duke overseeing the organization of major national events, including the coronation of King Charles III and the funeral of Elizabeth II.

Category:Howard family Category:English noble families Category:Dukes of Norfolk Category:Roman Catholic families of the United Kingdom