One Duke of Norfolk was executed. Throughout the long history of the Dukedom of Norfolk, only one holder of the title met his end through execution.
The Executed Duke
The sole Duke of Norfolk to be executed was Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk. His demise occurred on June 2, 1572, when he was beheaded for treason. His execution stemmed from his involvement in plots against Queen Elizabeth I, specifically his ambition to marry Mary, Queen of Scots, and restore Catholicism to England. This involvement included the Ridolfi Plot, which sought a Spanish invasion to depose Elizabeth.
For more details on his life and execution, you can refer to historical accounts of Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk.
Those Who Escaped or Were Not Dukes
While the historical period was indeed politically tumultuous, leading to the downfall of many prominent figures, other individuals closely associated with the Dukedom of Norfolk either narrowly escaped execution or were executed but did not hold the ducal title themselves.
The 3rd Duke of Norfolk
Thomas Howard, the 3rd Duke of Norfolk, famously avoided execution by a stroke of fate. Despite being attainted for treason and scheduled for execution in 1547, he was spared when King Henry VIII died the night before his planned execution. This unexpected turn of events prevented him from becoming another executed Duke.
The "Poet" Earl
It's important to distinguish between Dukes and other noble titles. Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, often known as the "Poet" Earl, was indeed executed in 1547. He was the son of the 3rd Duke of Norfolk and a notable figure in his own right, but he never held the title of Duke of Norfolk. His execution, alongside others during these dangerous times, underscores the high stakes of Tudor politics but does not add to the count of executed Dukes of Norfolk.
Summary of Outcomes
To clarify the fates of these prominent figures associated with the Dukedom of Norfolk:
| Individual | Relationship to Dukedom | Outcome | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk | Duke of Norfolk | Executed | Beheaded for plotting to marry Mary, Queen of Scots. |
| Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk | Duke of Norfolk | Escaped | Avoided execution due to King Henry VIII's death the night before. |
| Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey ("Poet") | Son of 3rd Duke | Executed | Was an Earl, not a Duke of Norfolk. |
This table clearly illustrates that only one Duke of Norfolk, the 4th Duke, was executed.
