Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton

Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton
Attributed to John de Critz · Public domain · source
Title	3rd Earl of Southampton
Birth date	October 24, 1573
Death date	November 10, 1624
Spouse	Elizabeth Vernon
Parents	Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of Southampton

Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton was a prominent English nobleman and patron of the arts, known for his association with William Shakespeare and his role in the Essex Rebellion. He was the son of Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of Southampton and Mary Browne, and his family had strong ties to the House of Tudor and the English monarchy. As a member of the Peerage of England, he held significant influence and power, and his life was marked by notable events, including the Spanish Armada and the Gunpowder Plot. His connections to Queen Elizabeth I and King James I of England also played a crucial role in shaping his life and career.

● Early Life

Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, was born on October 24, 1573, at Cowdray House in Midhurst, West Sussex, to Henry Wriothesley, 2nd Earl of Southampton and Mary Browne. His early life was marked by the influence of his family's strong Catholic roots and their connections to the English nobility, including the Duke of Norfolk and the Earl of Arundel. He was educated at St John's College, Cambridge, where he developed a strong interest in the arts and literature, particularly the works of William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe. His time at Cambridge University also brought him into contact with other notable figures, including Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex and Francis Bacon.

● Career

As a member of the Peerage of England, Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, held significant influence and power, and his career was marked by his involvement in various political and military endeavors. He was a supporter of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex and participated in the Essex Rebellion against Queen Elizabeth I, which ultimately led to his imprisonment in the Tower of London. His connections to the English monarchy and the House of Tudor also played a crucial role in shaping his career, and he was a frequent attendee at court, where he interacted with notable figures, including William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley and Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury. His involvement in the Irish Rebellion and the Nine Years' War also demonstrated his commitment to the English Crown and its interests.

● Patronage of William Shakespeare

Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, is perhaps best known for his patronage of William Shakespeare, and his support of the Bard's work had a significant impact on the development of English literature. He was the dedicatee of Shakespeare's Venus and Adonis and The Rape of Lucrece, and his influence can be seen in many of Shakespeare's other works, including Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream. His association with Shakespeare also brought him into contact with other notable figures, including Richard Burbage and Henry Condell, and his support of the Lord Chamberlain's Men helped to establish the company as a major force in English theatre. His connections to the Theatre of the Globe and the Blackfriars Theatre also demonstrated his commitment to the arts and his role as a patron of English drama.

● Imprisonment and Later Life

Following his involvement in the Essex Rebellion, Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, was imprisoned in the Tower of London and later released by King James I of England. His imprisonment had a significant impact on his life and career, and he was forced to navigate the complex politics of the English Court in order to regain his freedom and influence. His later life was marked by his continued support of the arts and his involvement in various philanthropic endeavors, including his support of the Church of England and the University of Oxford. His connections to Eton College and the University of Cambridge also demonstrated his commitment to education and his role as a patron of learning.

● Family and Legacy

Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, married Elizabeth Vernon, a member of the Vernon family, and had several children, including Penelope Wriothesley and Thomas Wriothesley, 4th Earl of Southampton. His family had strong ties to the English nobility, including the Duke of Buckingham and the Earl of Pembroke, and his legacy was marked by his role as a patron of the arts and his support of English literature. His connections to the House of Stuart and the English monarchy also played a crucial role in shaping his family's history and influence, and his descendants continued to play important roles in English politics and society. His family's history was also marked by notable events, including the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution.

● Death and Succession

Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, died on November 10, 1624, at Bergavenny, Monmouthshire, and was succeeded by his son, Thomas Wriothesley, 4th Earl of Southampton. His death marked the end of an era in English history, and his legacy as a patron of the arts and a supporter of English literature continued to be felt for generations to come. His connections to the English nobility and the House of Stuart also played a crucial role in shaping the history of his family and their influence on English society. His family's history was also marked by notable figures, including King Charles I of England and Oliver Cromwell, and their involvement in significant events, including the Battle of Naseby and the Battle of Worcester. Category:English earls