was, in his juvenile years, a poet; but his poetry seems to be rather the effect of youth, than the production of genius. Ob. 6 Jan. 1652-3. JOHN HOLLIS, earl of Clare, in a round hat. R. Clamp. In Harding's "Biographical Mirrour;" 1792. JOHN HOLLES, earl of Clare. Bocquet fec. In. Royal and Noble Authors," by Parke; 1806. John Holles, first earl of Clare, was born at Haughton, in Nottinghamshire, being the son and heir of Denzil Holles, who died 1590. At thirteen years of age, he was sent to Cambridge; from thence he went to Gray's-Inn, where he spent some years in such studies as were necessary. Thus accomplished, he attended the court, and then served in the Netherlands under Sir Francis Vere. He distinguished himself in the navy against the Spanish Armada; and was so active, that, being heavily armed, he would easily climb to the top of the tallest ship of that fleet. He had the courage to oppose Queen Elizabeth's favourite, Lord Burleigh; and James's minion, the Duke of Buckingham. He was a favourite of Henry, prince of Wales, who made him comptroller of his household, and visited him at Haughton, where he was entertained splendidly for many days. With this prince's death, his influence at court vanished; and three years after he was brought before the star-chamber for private conferences with Garnet and Jervis, the Jesuits, and imprisoned; from which confinement he bought himself out by a present of £10,000, to Buckingham; and afterward obtained the earldom of Clare for £5000; though that title had been just before declared by the court lawyers to be peculiar to the blood royal. He returned to his mansion at Haughton, avoiding the tumults of public life. Ob. 1687, Et. 73. He seemed to have some presage of his death; for, the Sunday before, going from prayers in St. Mary's church, he suddenly put his staff upon a particular spot, and said, "here will I be buried." See "Royal and Noble Authors;" Harding's "Biographical Mirrour," &c. WILLIAM KNOLLIS (KNOLLES), viscount Wallingford, &c. Sold by John Hind. (Simon Pass); 4to. Cr. Jan. 5, 1616-7. WILLIAM KNOLLIS, viscount Wallingford, with autograph. Thane. WILLIAM KNOLLIS, viscount Wallingford; Sto. W. Richardson. William, son of Sir Francis Knolles, by Catharine Cary, daughter to Sir Thomas Bolen, and cousin-german to Queen Elizabeth. He succeeded his father in the office of treasurer of the queen's household, and was one of the delegates for making peace, 41 Eliz. Upon the accession of James, he was created baron of Grays, in Oxfordshire, the place of his residence; in the twelfth year of this reign he was constituted master of the court of wards.; and about two years after, created viscount Wallingford. He died the 25th of May, 1632, in the 88th year of his age, and lies buried at Grays. The ancient seat of this family is now in the possession of Sir Thomas Stapleton, bart. HENRY HOWARD, earl of Northampton; from an original at Castle Howard. S. Pickard. (Halfpenny fec.) Henry Howard, earl of Northampton, (second son of the celebrated Earl of Surrey beheaded by Henry VIII.) was born at Shottisham, in Norfolk, about 1539. He was educated at Cambridge; and in 1568 was admitted to the degree of M. A. at Oxford. He was neglected during the reign of Elizabeth; but in the next reign he rose rapidly; being made a privy-counsellor, warden of the Cinque Ports, earl of Northampton, lord privy-seal, and knight of the Garter. He was a man of considerable talents, but destitute of principle. He was a party in the intrigue of his niece, the countess of Essex, with Carr, viscount Rochester; and strongly suspected of being concerned in the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury. Affecting to be a Protestant, he enjoyed great favour with James I. but being, by an intercepted letter to Cardinal Bellarmine, discovered to be a confirmed papist, he was deprived of his estate. Ob. June 15, 1614. His works are, 1. "A Defensative against the Poison of supposed Prophecies," 4to and folio. 2. "An Apology for the Government of Women;" a manuscript in the Bodleian library. Some other manuscripts also from his pen are extant. *He was created earl of Banbury, 18 Aug. 1626. |