Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk

Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, KG, PC, was a prominent English nobleman and politician during the Tudor era. Born into the influential Howard family, he was the son of Sir Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, and Elizabeth Tilney. His lineage traced back to the English royalty through both the Mowbray and Bigod families. As an able soldier, he was knighted in 1497 and became a close companion to King Henry VIII. Howard’s first wife was Anne of York, and following her death, he married Elizabeth Stafford. His military prowess was demonstrated at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, where he commanded forces that defeated the Scots, earning the Howard family significant prestige. He held several high-ranking positions, including Lord High Treasurer and Lord Admiral. However, his fortunes waned when he fell from favor in 1546, leading to his imprisonment and the loss of his titles, though he avoided execution upon the king’s death.

Upon Queen Mary I’s accession, Howard was released from the Tower of London and aided in securing her throne, which set the stage for future religious tensions in England. Despite his later imprisonment, Howard’s life was marked by significant political influence and military success, as well as by the tragic fates of his nieces, Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, who were executed. His legacy includes the Howard family’s continued prominence in English history and the enduring heraldic emblem awarded in honor of the Flodden victory.