Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, English poet (b. 1516)

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey: A Luminary of Tudor England and Poetic Innovator

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, born in either 1516 or 1517 and tragically executed on 19 January 1547, was a prominent English nobleman, influential politician, and a pivotal figure in the development of English literature. A distinguished Knight of the Garter (KG), he holds the somber distinction of being the last known individual to be executed under the direct authority of King Henry VIII, marking a grim close to the monarch's increasingly paranoid reign.

Family Lineage and Royal Connections

Born into one of England's most powerful aristocratic families, Henry Howard was the son of Thomas Howard, who initially held the title of Earl of Surrey before being elevated to the prestigious Duke of Norfolk in 1524. Following his father's dukedom, Henry adopted the courtesy title of Earl of Surrey, a designation by which he is most famously known. His familial ties extended directly into the heart of the Tudor monarchy: he was a first cousin to both Queen Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, and Queen Catherine Howard, the King’s fifth consort. These close relationships placed him at the very nexus of court power and intrigue, profoundly shaping his life and ultimately contributing to his downfall.

Pioneering English Renaissance Poetry

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, is justly celebrated as one of the principal founders of English Renaissance poetry. His name is inextricably linked in literary history with that of his contemporary, Sir Thomas Wyatt, as both were instrumental in reshaping the landscape of English verse. Surrey's most enduring legacy lies in his groundbreaking contributions to poetic form:

• Introduction of Blank Verse: He is widely credited with introducing blank verse—unrhymed iambic pentameter—into English literature. This innovation, first seen in his translation of parts of Virgil's Aeneid, proved revolutionary, providing a flexible and powerful metre that would later be perfected by William Shakespeare and become a cornerstone of English dramatic and epic poetry.
• Development of the English Sonnet: While Sir Thomas Wyatt introduced the Petrarchan sonnet to English, Surrey refined and established the distinctive English, or Shakespearean, sonnet form (with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG). This structure, better suited to the English language's less expansive rhyming vocabulary compared to Italian, proved incredibly popular and became a dominant poetic form for centuries.

A Life at Court and on the Battlefield

Owing largely to the immense political influence and powerful position of his father, the Duke of Norfolk, Henry Howard played a prominent and often volatile role in the court life of the mid-16th century. Beyond his poetic endeavors, he was an active soldier, serving with distinction in military campaigns both in France and Scotland. His presence at court and on the battlefield underscored his status as a quintessential Renaissance nobleman, combining martial prowess with intellectual pursuits.

The Downfall of a Reckless Spirit

Despite his talents and noble birth, Surrey possessed a notoriously reckless and volatile temper. This impulsive disposition frequently embroiled him in quarrels and confrontations, leading to several periods of imprisonment for various misdemeanors, including striking a courtier and disturbing the peace by breaking windows. Ultimately, this rashness brought upon him the severe wrath of the aging and increasingly embittered King Henry VIII. In the paranoid atmosphere of Henry VIII's final years, Surrey was accused of treason. The charges were primarily related to his alleged misuse of heraldic arms, specifically quartering the royal arms of England, which was interpreted as a claim to the throne or a challenge to Prince Edward’s succession. Arrested on these grave charges, he was tried, convicted of treason, and subsequently beheaded on Tower Hill on 19 January 1547, just days before Henry VIII's own death.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey

Who was Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey?

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, was a prominent English nobleman, politician, and poet who lived from 1516/1517 to 1547. He is celebrated as a key figure in the English Renaissance, particularly for his innovations in poetry, and is historically noted as the last person executed under King Henry VIII's command.

What was his most significant contribution to English literature?

Surrey is primarily recognized for introducing blank verse (unrhymed iambic pentameter) into English poetry through his translation of Virgil's Aeneid. He also played a crucial role in developing and popularizing the English (Shakespearean) sonnet form, which greatly influenced subsequent generations of poets, including William Shakespeare.

How was he connected to King Henry VIII's queens?

He was a first cousin to two of King Henry VIII's wives: Queen Anne Boleyn (the second wife) and Queen Catherine Howard (the fifth wife). These close familial ties to the throne placed him at the very center of Tudor court politics.

Why was Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, executed?

He was arrested and tried for treason in late 1546. The main charges revolved around his alleged improper display of royal heraldic arms, which was interpreted by the aging and increasingly suspicious King Henry VIII as a move to assert a claim to the throne or undermine the succession of his son, Prince Edward. He was beheaded on Tower Hill in January 1547.

What was his relationship with Sir Thomas Wyatt?

Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, and Sir Thomas Wyatt were contemporaries and close literary associates. They are often jointly credited as the co-founders of English Renaissance poetry, as both independently and collaboratively worked to introduce and adapt new poetic forms, like the sonnet, from Italian and classical traditions into the English language.