Henry Manners, 2nd Earl of Rutland

Henry Manners, 2nd Earl of Rutland, 13th Baron de Ros of Helmsley, was an important English nobleman who lived from 23 September 1526 to 17 September 1563. He was known as a key figure during the time of King Henry VIII and later under Queen Elizabeth I.

As a member of the nobility, Manners played a role in the government and court life of his time. He was recognized for his service and was awarded the title Knight of the Garter, shown by the letters KG, which is one of the highest honors in England.

Manners was also involved in various responsibilities that came with his noble status, contributing to the history of England during a time of great change and development.

Early life

Henry Manners was born on 23 September 1526. He was the eldest son of Thomas Manners, 1st Earl of Rutland and his wife Eleanor Paston. In 1536, when he was ten years old, he married Lady Margaret Neville. Until his father passed away in 1543, he was known as Lord Ros. After his father's death, he became the second Earl of Rutland.

Career

Like his father, Earl Henry held many important positions. He worked as Warden of the Scottish Marches, where he helped protect the town of Haddington and recaptured Ferniehirst Castle. He also became an admiral in 1556 and led cavalry during the siege of St Quentin under Mary I of England. Later, under Elizabeth I, he served well and was made Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire and Rutland, among other honors.

Earl Henry finished building Belvoir Castle in 1555, carefully moving important family remains to Bottesford from old places like Belvoir Priory and Croxton Abbey. After the death of Edward VI in 1553, he became a key heir in the royal line, as the oldest male descendant of Richard, 3rd Duke of York.

Marriage and progeny

He married twice. First, on 3 July 1536, he married Margaret Neville, daughter of Ralph Neville, 4th Earl of Westmorland. They had three children: Edward Manners, 3rd Earl of Rutland, John Manners, 4th Earl of Rutland, and Elizabeth Manners, who later married Sir William V Courtenay, de jure 3rd Earl of Devon, of Powderham Castle.

After Margaret’s death, he married Bridget Hussey, the widow of Richard Morrison. Her third husband was Francis Russell, 2nd Earl of Bedford.

Death and monument

Henry Manners died on 17 September 1563. He asked to be buried in the Bottesford church, and a special tomb was made there. He is buried at St Mary the Virgin's Church, Bottesford in Leicestershire. His tomb, made of alabaster, is special and sits in the middle of the chancel next to his father's tomb.

The tomb shows Henry and his wife, Margaret, lying down. Henry's tomb shows him in old-style armor, wearing a special crown, and holding a book and a sword. At his feet is a special hornless unicorn. Margaret is dressed in fancy clothes from their time, also wearing a crown, and her feet rest on a lion.