Henry Howard, 1st Earl of Northampton
Henry Howard, 1st Earl of Northampton KG (25 February 1540 – 15 June 1614) was an important English aristocrat and courtier. He was suspected throughout his life of being Roman Catholic, and went through periods of royal disfavour, in which his reputation suffered greatly. He was distinguished for learning, artistic culture and his public charities. He built Northumberland House in London and superintended the construction of the fine house of Audley End. He founded and planned several hospitals. Francis Bacon included three of his sayings in his Apophthegms, and chose him as "the learnedest councillor in the kingdom to present to the king his Advancement of Learning." After his death, it was discovered that he had been involved in the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury.
The Right Honourable The Earl of Northampton KG | |
|---|---|
Henry Howard, Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, since 1 January 1604 and Earl of Northampton since 13 March 1604 | |
| First Lord of the Treasury | |
| In office 1612–1613 | |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Salisbury |
| Succeeded by | The Viscount Brackley |
| Lord Privy Seal | |
| In office 1612–1613 | |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Salisbury |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Somerset |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 25 February 1540 Shotesham, Norfolk, England |
| Died | 15 June 1614 (aged 74) Charing Cross, London, England |
| Parent(s) | Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey Frances de Vere |
| Religion | Roman Catholicism |