Howard family

The noble family of Howard was and is considered top of the English Catholic gentry. The head of the family, the Duke of Norfolk, is the first peer of the realm.

History

The founder of the house was William Howard ( † 1308), since 1297 chief -justice of the Common Pleas. His grandson John Howard was an admiral in the Navy ( 1337) and Sheriff of Norfolk. John's great-grandson Robert Howard married Margaret, daughter and co-heiress of Thomas Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk. Their son John Howard was raised in 1483 to the Duke of Norfolk.

Significant members of the family include the influential Duchess Agnes Howard, her stepson, the English statesman Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk and his nieces Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard.

Survey

The extended family led Howard and performs the following titles:

• Duke of Norfolk
• Earl of Carlisle
• Earl of Suffolk
• Earl of Berkshire
• Earl of Northampton
• Earl of Arundel
• Earl of Wicklow
• Earl of Norwich
• Earl of Effingham
• Baron of Bindon
• Baron Howard de Walden
• Baron Howard of Castle Rising
• Baron Howard of Effingham