Mildmay Fane, 2nd Earl of Westmorland, English politician (d. 1666)

Mildmay Fane, the 2nd Earl of Westmorland (born 24 January 1602, died 12 February 1666), was a prominent English figure of the 17th century, renowned for his multifaceted contributions as a nobleman, a politician, and an accomplished writer. His life spanned a tumultuous period in English history, including the reigns of James I, Charles I, the English Civil War, the Interregnum, and the early years of the Restoration, all of which profoundly influenced his career and literary output.

Early Life and Succession to the Peerage

Born into the influential Fane family, Mildmay Fane was the eldest son of Francis Fane, the 1st Earl of Westmorland, and Mary Mildmay. His early years were marked by the privilege and expectations associated with his aristocratic lineage, with his family's principal seat being Apethorpe Hall in Northamptonshire, a grand country house that served as a significant hub for his political and cultural activities throughout his life. Before inheriting his father's titles, he was known by the courtesy title of Lord le Despenser between 1624 and 1628. This specific styling referred to the ancient Barony le Despenser, a title that had devolved through his mother's lineage and was held in abeyance before being effectively passed to the Fane family upon his father's elevation to the earldom. The Barony of le Despenser is one of the oldest extant baronies by writ in the Peerage of England, tracing its origins back to the 13th century and demonstrating the deep historical roots of his family's standing.

Upon his father's death in 1628, Mildmay Fane succeeded to the Earldom of Westmorland, thereby gaining a seat in the House of Lords and solidifying his position within the upper echelons of English society.

Political Engagements Amidst National Turmoil

As a nobleman, Mildmay Fane was an active participant in the political landscape of his era, a time of profound constitutional crisis and civil strife. Prior to succeeding to the peerage, he served as a Member of Parliament for Peterborough in 1625, gaining valuable experience in the House of Commons. His political allegiances, like those of many during the turbulent mid-17th century, shifted with the changing tides of power. Initially, he showed clear royalist sympathies, aligning with King Charles I during the early stages of the English Civil War. He attended the King's Parliament at Oxford in 1643, a move that placed him in direct opposition to the Parliamentarian forces.

However, as the conflict escalated and the Parliamentarian cause gained momentum, Fane found himself in a precarious position. He was among the Royalist peers who initially supported the King but later sought to reconcile with Parliament. Despite his attempts at neutrality or conciliation, Fane was imprisoned by Parliament in 1643, alongside other peers, for his perceived loyalty to the Crown. This period of incarceration, though relatively brief, underscored the perilous nature of political involvement during the Civil War. Upon his release and after making his peace with the Parliamentarian authorities, he largely withdrew from active national politics, dedicating more time to managing his estates and pursuing his literary interests. Nevertheless, his experience reflected the deep divisions and personal dilemmas faced by the English aristocracy during this transformative period, which ultimately led to the execution of Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth.

A Prolific Writer and Patron of the Arts

Beyond his aristocratic standing and political career, Mildmay Fane distinguished himself as a significant writer and a patron of the arts. He was a prolific author of poetry, plays, and masques, contributing considerably to the vibrant literary scene of the Caroline era, often reflecting the political and social anxieties of his time, sometimes employing allegory to subtly comment on the unfolding events.

• Dramatic Works: Among his notable plays are Candia Libera (released in 1640), a tragicomedy, and Eurydice, which showcase his command of classical themes and dramatic structure. These plays were often performed privately at Apethorpe Hall, serving as entertainment and artistic expression during a time when public theatres were frequently closed.
• Poetry: Fane's poetic output included a substantial collection of verses known as the "Westmorland Manuscripts," which are held in various archives today, including the British Library and Northamptonshire Archives. These poems range from personal reflections to political commentary and devotional pieces, offering a unique insight into the mind of a 17th-century nobleman. He is considered by some literary historians to be a lesser-known but valuable voice among the Cavalier Poets, a group known for their lighthearted, elegant, and often royalist verse that flourished during the reigns of James I and Charles I.
• Masques and Entertainments: He also composed masques, elaborate court entertainments that combined poetry, music, dance, and elaborate costumes. These productions, often performed for his family and guests at Apethorpe, provided a crucial creative outlet and a means of cultural expression, especially during the austere years of the Commonwealth when traditional theatrical performances were suppressed.

His literary pursuits demonstrate a man of considerable intellectual curiosity and artistic sensibility, using his writing not just as a pastime but as a means of engaging with the profound societal changes and personal reflections of his turbulent age.

Legacy

Mildmay Fane, 2nd Earl of Westmorland, left behind a legacy that transcends his noble title. He embodied the complex reality of a 17th-century English aristocrat – navigating political upheaval, managing vast estates, and cultivating a rich intellectual life. His extensive writings provide valuable primary source material for understanding the socio-political climate and cultural trends of his era, making him a subject of ongoing interest for historians and literary scholars exploring the intricacies of the English Civil War period and its lasting impact on English society and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mildmay Fane

When was Mildmay Fane born and when did he die?

Mildmay Fane was born on January 24, 1602, and passed away on February 12, 1666. His life therefore spanned a significant portion of the 17th century, including the Stuart monarchy, the English Civil War, and the Restoration.

What was his connection to the title "Lord le Despenser"?

Lord le Despenser was a courtesy title he held between 1624 and 1628, prior to inheriting the Earldom of Westmorland. This ancient barony was inherited through his mother's lineage and represented a distinct, historically significant peerage within the English aristocracy, demonstrating his deep noble heritage.

What was Mildmay Fane's role during the English Civil War?

Initially, Mildmay Fane displayed Royalist leanings, supporting King Charles I, which led to his brief imprisonment by Parliament in 1643. After his release, he largely retreated from active national politics, focusing on his private affairs and literary work during the remainder of the conflict and the subsequent Interregnum, a common survival strategy for many aristocrats during this tumultuous period.

What kind of writer was Mildmay Fane and what are his notable works?

Mildmay Fane was a prolific writer of poetry, plays, and masques. His dramatic works include the tragicomedy Candia Libera (1640) and Eurydice. His extensive poetic output is primarily preserved in the "Westmorland Manuscripts." He is recognized as a notable figure among the Caroline era writers and sometimes categorized with the Cavalier Poets, offering unique perspectives on the political and social life of his time.

Where was Mildmay Fane's family seat located?

The family seat of Mildmay Fane, 2nd Earl of Westmorland, was Apethorpe Hall, a historic country house located in Northamptonshire, England. This grand estate was central to his personal life, family affairs, and served as a significant venue for his literary and social activities, including private performances of his plays.