Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk
Thomas Howard, 2nd Duke of Norfolk, was born in 1443 in England to John Howard, 1st Duke of Norfolk, and his second wife, Katherine de Moleyns. He grew up in a powerful family and was educated at the University of Cambridge. He fought in several battles and wars for England, including the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, where he supported King Richard III, who was defeated by Henry Tudor. After the battle, Howard was imprisoned in the Tower of London for a few years but was eventually released and given back his titles and possessions. In 1497, he supported another unsuccessful rebellion against King Henry VII and was once again imprisoned in the Tower of London. However, he was eventually pardoned and allowed to return to his estates in Norfolk. In 1520, Howard served as ambassador to France for King Henry VIII and was later appointed Lord High Treasurer of England. However, his political career took a turn for the worse when he supported the marriage of Henry's daughter, Mary, to the Catholic King Philip II of Spain, which angered Protestant Englishmen. In 1546, Howard was accused of high treason and was sentenced to death. He was granted a reprieve by the king, but died in prison in 1554 at the age of 71. Howard was married twice, and had several children, including his son Henry Howard, who also became a prominent figure in English history as the Earl of Surrey, a poet and a soldier.
