Howard (family)
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The Howard family are sometimes called England's second family. They are headed by the Duke of Norfolk, Premier Peer of the Realm.
While legendary pedigrees trace the family to the 10th century, indisputable descent begins with Sir William Howard (died 1308), a judge who was in the House of Commons in the Model Parliament of 1295.
His great-great-great-grandson, Sir Robert Howard, married Lady Margaret Mowbray, elder daughter of Thomas Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk. The line of Dukes died out in 1476 and the heiress of the last Duke, Anne Mowbray, died a girl of nine in 1481; after declaring her widower Richard, Duke of York illegitimate, Richard III of England created the son of Sir Richard and Lady Margaret, John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk of a new creation on June 28, 1483, the 200th anniversary of the Barony of Mowbray to which he was also senior co-heir. John had previously been summoned to Parliament as Lord Howard by Edward IV. He was also created hereditary Earl Marshal.
The Howard family are known as one of the foremost recusant families due to their continued adherence to Roman Catholicism throughout the English Reformation and its aftermath. This meant that they often could not take their seats in the House of Lords. They are still often known as the most prominent English Catholic family.
Both the Dukedom and Earl Marshalship have been the subject of repeated attainders and restorations in the 15th to 17th centuries. Before Charles II restored the titles for good, the Howards had inherited the ancient title of Earl of Arundel through an heiress, and formed additional branches that have continued to this day. Also from the Howard family was Catherine Howard, wife of Henry VIII
In order of genealogical seniority:
- the Barons Howard of Penrith descend from a younger son of the 6th Duke;
- the Earls of Suffolk and Berkshire descend from the 2nd son of the 4th Duke;
- the Earls of Carlisle descend from the third son of the 4th Duke;
- the Earls of Effingham descend from the fourth son of the 2nd Duke, who was Lord High Admiral and whose son was commander in chief against the Spanish Armada. (Curiously,this line was excluded from eligibility to inherit on the restoration of the Dukedom).
Titled families descending through females are too numerous to mention.