A powerful nobleman and military leader who played a crucial role in the Norman Conquest of Wales and was a key advisor to King Henry I. He was also a skilled diplomat and strategist.
William Herbert, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, was a prominent English nobleman and politician, known for his loyalty to the House of York and his role in shaping the political landscape of 15th-century England. As the son of William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke, and Anne Devereux, he inherited not only his father's title but also his sense of duty and ambition.
Born on March 5, 1451, William Herbert was destined for greatness. His paternal grandparents were William ap Thomas and Gwladys, daughter of Dafydd Gam, while his maternal grandparents were Walter Devereux, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, and Elizabeth Merbury. This illustrious heritage laid the foundation for his future successes.
In 1469, Herbert succeeded his father as the 2nd Earl of Pembroke, but his tenure was short-lived. In 1479, he was forced to surrender the earldom to Edward IV's son, the future Edward V, and was created Earl of Huntingdon instead. This strategic move by Edward IV shifted the Herbert family's influence from Wales to the southwest of England.
Herbert remained a loyal Yorkist, marrying Mary Woodville, sister of Queen Elizabeth Woodville, and having one daughter, Elizabeth Herbert, 3rd Baroness Herbert. He continued to support Richard III, even after the rebellion of 1483, when he received the post of Chief Justice of South Wales, previously held by the Duke of Buckingham.
In 1484, Herbert married Katherine, an illegitimate daughter of Richard III, and received an annuity of approximately £1,000 a year, nearly doubling his income. Although Katherine is believed to have died by 1487, Herbert's loyalty to the Yorkist cause remained unwavering.
When Henry Tudor landed in south Wales in 1485, Herbert's position forced Henry to take a circuitous route into England. It is likely that a Herbert agent was the first to notify Richard III of Henry's landing.
William Herbert, 2nd Earl of Pembroke, died on July 16, 1491, leaving behind his daughter, Elizabeth Herbert, who inherited the Herbert lands, including Raglan Castle. However, his earldom did not pass to his younger brother, Walter Herbert, as it had already been merged into the Crown.
Despite the twists and turns of his life, William Herbert's legacy as a loyal and astute politician continues to shape our understanding of 15th-century England and the complexities of the Wars of the Roses.
Born in 1491
A larger-than-life monarch who ruled England with an iron fist, infamous for his six marriages and the English Reformation.
Born in 1284
The king whose disastrous reign led to his eventual deposition and mysterious death, remembered for his alleged homosexual relationships and power struggles with nobles.
Born in 1516
The first queen to rule England in her own right, Bloody Mary tried to restore Catholicism, earning her notorious reputation for burning hundreds of Protestants at the stake.
Born in 1533
The Virgin Queen, a powerful and beloved monarch, ruled England during a golden age of culture, literature, and exploration, establishing the Church of England and defeating the Spanish Armada.
Born in 1565
A charismatic military leader and politician who played a crucial role in Irish politics and led a rebellion against Queen Elizabeth I, ultimately meeting a tragic end.
Born in 1552
A Renaissance man who wrote poetry, fought in wars, and explored the New World, introducing potatoes and tobacco to England. He's famous for his daring exploits and romanticized legend.
Born in 1521
A brilliant academic and politician who served as Lord High Treasurer, playing a crucial role in shaping England's economy and politics during the Elizabethan era. He's most known for his wise counsel and strategic thinking that helped stabilize the English monarchy.
Born in 1563
A skilled politician who served as Secretary of State for England, playing a crucial role in shaping the country's foreign policy and government during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He's also known for his cleverness and cunning in navigating the complexities of royal court politics.
