Henry Clifford, 1st Earl of Cumberland

Who was Henry Clifford, 1st Earl of Cumberland?

Sir Henry Clifford, 1st Earl of Cumberland KG was a member of the Clifford family which held the seat of Skipton Castle, Yorkshire from 1310 to 1676. He was a close friend of Henry VIII and his son Henry married the King's niece Lady Eleanor Brandon.

As a youth Clifford spent time at the court of Henry VIII and was knighted at Henry's coronation. he was appointed Sheriff of Yorkshire in 1522 and became hereditary Sheriff of Westmorland for life on the death of his father in 1523. As part of King Henry's plans for the defence of the Scottish border he was created Earl of Cumberland on June 18, 1525 and made Warden of the West Marches and Governor of Carlisle Castle. He was however soon replaced by William Dacre, 3rd Baron Dacre but, after the latter had been accused of treason, was reinstated in the post from 1534 to 1542. In 1536 he refused to support the Pilgrimage of Grace and as a result spent time besieged in Skipton Castle. He was made a Knight of the Garter by a grateful king in 1537.

He died in 1542 and was buried in Skipton church, where his tomb can be seen.