Deaths on February 24

Henry FitzAlan, 19th Earl of Arundel, English nobleman (b. 1511)

Henry Fitzalan, the 12th Earl of Arundel and a Knight of the Garter (KG), was a remarkable figure whose life spanned nearly seven turbulent decades of English history (23 April 1512 – 24 February 1580). This esteemed English nobleman holds a unique place in the annals of the Tudor era, being perhaps the only individual to maintain a prominent position and influence across the courts of all four later Tudor sovereigns: Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. His extraordinary ability to navigate the shifting political and religious currents of such a dangerous time speaks volumes about his astuteness, adaptability, and sheer resilience.

A Prominent Figure in Tudor England

Born into one of England's most ancient and powerful aristocratic families, the Fitzalans, Henry Fitzalan inherited the prestigious Earldom of Arundel, a title that carried immense weight and historical significance. His long life saw England transformed by monumental religious reformations, intricate political intrigues, and fierce dynastic struggles, yet the 12th Earl of Arundel managed to remain a key player, serving as a trusted advisor and holding various high offices under successive, often vastly different, monarchs. His journey through the treacherous landscape of the Tudor court is a testament to a unique blend of political acumen, personal charm, and perhaps, a touch of sheer good fortune, allowing him to endure where many others fell.

Early Life and Distinguished Lineage

Born on April 23, 1512, Henry Fitzalan was the son of William Fitzalan, the 11th Earl of Arundel. The Fitzalan family boasted a distinguished lineage stretching back to the Norman Conquest, making them one of the most senior peerage families in England. Inheriting the title in 1524, young Henry was thrust into a world of immense privilege and significant responsibility at a tender age. His upbringing would undoubtedly have prepared him for the complex social and political landscape he would soon inhabit, with expectations of unwavering loyalty and diligent service to the Crown. The family seat, Arundel Castle, stood as a formidable symbol of their enduring power and influence throughout the centuries.

Navigating the Tumultuous Tudor Reigns

Fitzalan's illustrious career at the Tudor court began under the formidable rule of Henry VIII. He witnessed firsthand the monumental changes brought about by the English Reformation and served the aging king, gaining invaluable experience in statecraft and courtly politics. When the young Edward VI ascended the throne, Fitzalan continued to hold important positions, despite the significant Protestant shift in government. He was a Privy Councillor and served as Lord Steward of the Household, demonstrating his remarkable capacity to adapt to differing religious and political landscapes, always maintaining a crucial role near the center of power.

The brief and intense reign of Mary I, a staunch Catholic, brought new challenges, but once again, Fitzalan successfully transitioned. He played a significant role in her reign, including acting as her Lord Steward and being involved in some of her key policies and religious restorations. His continued prominence during Mary's fervent Catholic restoration highlights his exceptional ability to maintain favor even amidst intense religious and political upheavals. Finally, with the accession of Elizabeth I, Henry Fitzalan, the 12th Earl of Arundel, once again secured his position, albeit with some complex periods. While he may have entertained hopes of marrying the new queen at one point, and later found himself entangled in plots concerning Mary, Queen of Scots, he largely managed to survive Elizabeth's often ruthless and demanding court, a true feat given the period's pervasive political instability. His death on February 24, 1580, marked the end of an era for this enduring and resilient English nobleman, who had truly seen it all.

Influence and Legacy

The sheer longevity and consistent presence of Henry Fitzalan at the highest levels of power make him a truly unique historical figure. His career provides a fascinating and detailed insight into the strategies necessary for survival and influence in the dangerous and ever-changing Tudor era. While perhaps not remembered for a single, defining achievement that reshaped history, his remarkable political resilience and his consistent role in witnessing, and often influencing, the reigns of four vastly different monarchs, offer a compelling narrative of a nobleman expertly navigating the treacherous waters of 16th-century England. His family's long and distinguished history and the prestige of the Earldom of Arundel continued through his descendants, albeit through his daughter Mary, who married Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk, leading to the Howard family inheriting Arundel Castle and the earldom, ensuring the legacy of this ancient title endured.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henry Fitzalan

Who was Henry Fitzalan?

Henry Fitzalan was the 12th Earl of Arundel, an influential English nobleman and courtier who lived from 1512 to 1580. He is notably recognized for his unparalleled ability to serve in a prominent capacity at the royal courts of four successive Tudor monarchs: Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, a rare feat in such a turbulent era.

What was his significance during the Tudor period?

His primary significance lies in his unique and enduring political survival. Fitzalan's ability to maintain a position of trust and influence across the reigns of four distinct and often politically and religiously opposed Tudor sovereigns highlights his exceptional political acumen, diplomatic skill, and remarkable adaptability during a highly tumultuous and dangerous period in English history.

Which monarchs did he serve?

Henry Fitzalan served all four of the later Tudor monarchs: Henry VIII, his young son Edward VI, his daughter Mary I (known as 'Bloody Mary'), and finally, Elizabeth I. Throughout these reigns, he held various high offices, including Privy Councillor and Lord Steward of the Household.

What was the Earldom of Arundel?

The Earldom of Arundel is one of the oldest and most prestigious peerage titles in England, often associated with the Fitzalan family and later, through marriage, the Howard family. Its holder was historically considered the premier earl of England, a position that carried immense social, political, and symbolic weight throughout the Tudor era and beyond.