Somerset, William Seymour, 1st duke of
Somerset, William Seymour, 1st duke of (1587–1660). William Seymour was a great-grandson of Protector Somerset, and son of Lord Beauchamp, who died before inheriting his father's title of earl of Hertford. He had royal blood since his grandmother, Lady Catherine Grey, was a direct descendant of Mary Tudor, Henry VIII's sister. He succeeded his grandfather as earl in 1621. In 1610 he had gone through a private marriage to Arabella Stuart, cousin of James I. Both were placed in the Tower and Arabella died there in 1615. Seymour escaped to France and lived there until 1616, when he was allowed to return. He was created marquis of Hertford in 1641. Originally sympathetic to the moderate opposition, he joined Charles I at the outbreak of war, fought in the west, and was groom of the stole at Oxford in 1644. At the Restoration, he was given the Garter and reinstated in the dukedom a month before his death.
J. A. Cannon
More From encyclopedia.com
Charles Brandon 1st Duke Of Suffolk , Suffolk, Charles Brandon, 1st duke of (1484–1545). Brandon managed a spectacular career from modest beginnings. A son of Sir William Brandon, standar… Esme Stuart 1st Duke Of Lennox , Lennox, Esmé Stewart, 1st duke of [S] (1542–83). Lennox was a comet who blazed across the Scottish sky and was gone. His father was a brother of Matt… William Cavendish , Cavendish, William. See Devonshire, 4th duke of. Thomas Mowbray 1st Duke Of Norfolk , Norfolk, Thomas Mowbray, 1st duke of (1366–99). Mowbray was created earl of Nottingham on succeeding to his elder brother's lands in 1383, and receiv… Frederick Herman 1st Duke Of Schomberg , Schomberg, Frederick Herman, 1st duke of (1615–90). Schomberg was one of the greatest soldiers of the 17th cent. His father had been ambassador for F… British and Irish History , duke. The title of duke, derived from the latin ‘dux’, is the highest in the peerage and until 1448 was restricted to members of the royal family. In…
About this article
Somerset, William Seymour, 1st duke of
You Might Also Like
NEARBY TERMS
Somerset, William Seymour, 1st duke of