Francis Fane, the 1st Earl of Westmorland, lived from February 1, 1580, to March 23, 1629, and was an influential figure in early 17th-century England, serving as a politician, nobleman, and landowner. His life and political career were marked by his connection to the prominent Neville family, his role in the English House of Commons, and his eventual elevation to the peerage, which cemented his legacy within the English aristocracy.

 

Early Life and Background

Francis Fane was born into a prominent family with deep roots in English nobility and politics. He was the eldest surviving son of Sir Thomas Fane of Badsell in Tudeley, Kent, and his second wife, Mary Neville, Baroness le Despenser in her own right. Mary was the daughter and heiress of Henry Nevill, 6th Baron Bergavenny, a prominent noble family with claims to lands and titles across England. Through his mother, Fane was a descendant of Ralph Neville, the 1st Earl of Westmorland, and also connected to the influential Manners family through his maternal grandmother, Lady Frances Manners, daughter of Thomas Manners, the 1st Earl of Rutland.

Fane’s paternal ancestry extended to “Henry a Vane,” a distant ancestor who lived in Kent, and, according to later genealogical accounts, his ancestry was tied to Welsh heritage. His family background established Fane within the upper echelon of English society, granting him connections to prominent families and a noble heritage that would later serve him well in political and social spheres. Fane’s younger brother, George Fane of Burston, would also be involved in local politics and become a noted figure in his own right.

Education and Early Career

Fane received a strong educational foundation, starting at Maidstone Grammar School in Kent, a respected institution. Around 1595, he matriculated at Queens’ College, Cambridge, where he received a classical education. He went on to study law, entering Lincoln’s Inn in 1597. This background in law and education equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex legal and political landscapes of the time.

His introduction to political life came in 1601, with the support of Henry Brooke, 11th Baron Cobham, a neighbor who held influence over the parliamentary seat in Kent. That year, Fane was elected to the House of Commons as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Kent, marking the beginning of his long parliamentary career.

Political Rise and Parliamentary Career

Fane’s political career advanced quickly, partly due to his noble background and partly due to his strategic alliances. In 1603, at the coronation of King James I, Fane was knighted and became a Knight of the Bath, a significant honor that recognized his family’s prominence and personal potential as a political figure. After Lord Cobham’s fall from grace due to his involvement in the Main Plot (a conspiracy to assassinate King James I), Fane continued his political pursuits independently. He became an MP for Maidstone in 1604, serving through the early reign of James I.

Fane maintained his seat as MP for Maidstone through subsequent elections in 1614 and 1621, establishing himself as a seasoned representative. In 1624, he was elected as MP for Peterborough, a seat close to Apethorpe Hall, his wife’s family estate. His parliamentary career demonstrated his commitment to public service and laid the groundwork for his eventual rise to the peerage.

Marriage and Family Influence

Fane married Mary Mildmay, the daughter of Sir Anthony Mildmay, a diplomat and former ambassador to France. Mary was also the heiress to Apethorpe Hall in Northamptonshire, a substantial estate that would become the Fane family’s primary residence. The marriage alliance was not only advantageous financially but also politically, as it connected Fane to another powerful and respected English family. Apethorpe Hall became a center for family and political activities and served as a symbol of the Fanes’ growing influence.

The couple had thirteen children—seven sons and six daughters. Their family connections expanded through strategic marriages, aligning the Fanes with other influential families, including the Homes, the Gerards, the Copes, and the Bourchiers. Their eldest son, Mildmay Fane, succeeded his father as the 2nd Earl of Westmorland and became a noted poet and Royalist supporter. Another son, Anthony Fane, served as a colonel in the Parliamentary army during the English Civil War, though he died from injuries sustained in battle. Through his children’s marriages and accomplishments, Fane extended his legacy and influence beyond his own lifetime.

Elevation to the Peerage

On December 29, 1624, Fane was created Baron Burghersh and Earl of Westmorland by King James I, marking the pinnacle of his political and social ascent. The earldom of Westmorland had a historical significance for Fane, as his maternal ancestors, the Nevilles, had previously held this title. The creation of his earldom reconnected Fane with his family’s ancestral legacy and reinforced his standing within the aristocracy. His title brought additional privileges and responsibilities, as he now played a role within the House of Lords and had an elevated status within English society.

Fane’s inheritance from his mother, who died in 1626, included the title of Baron le Despenser and other properties, further expanding his wealth and influence. This inheritance allowed him to fulfill his responsibilities as a nobleman and continue his family’s legacy. His titles and estates symbolized the Fane family’s place within the English aristocracy, as well as the connections and status that had been cultivated over generations.

Political Philosophy and Public Service

Fane’s political career was marked by his loyalty to the monarchy, his engagement with parliamentary governance, and his focus on maintaining his family’s status. Although there is limited information about his specific political positions or contributions to debates, his consistent presence in Parliament and his elevation to the peerage suggest he was a reliable figure within King James I’s circle.

Throughout his career, Fane aligned himself with royal interests, even though he managed to distance himself from more controversial figures like Lord Cobham. By the time he was elevated to the peerage, his relationship with the monarchy and his experience in Parliament positioned him as a respected elder statesman within the aristocracy. He also showed a commitment to supporting his family’s interests, which ultimately helped secure the legacy of his descendants.

Later Life and Legacy

Francis Fane’s later years were spent managing his estates and family affairs. He continued to solidify his family’s influence through advantageous marriages and land acquisitions. In 1629, he died at the age of 49 and was buried at Apethorpe Hall, with a memorial inscription added at Mereworth Church, near his family’s original seat in Kent. His death marked the end of a political career that had spanned multiple reigns and culminated in a noble title that reestablished his family’s prominence.

Fane’s wife, Mary, survived him and continued to play a role in managing the family’s estates until her death in 1640. His son, Mildmay Fane, inherited the earldom and continued the family’s legacy, contributing both to literature as a poet and to the Royalist cause during the English Civil War.

Impact and Historical Significance

Francis Fane’s life and career reflect the opportunities available to English nobility in the early Stuart period, especially for those with strong family connections and a readiness to align with royal interests. His elevation to the earldom of Westmorland and his strategic alliances through marriage and politics solidified the Fane family’s place in the English aristocracy.

As the 1st Earl of Westmorland, Fane’s legacy extended beyond his lifetime through the contributions of his descendants, particularly in literature and politics. His story highlights the dynamics of family heritage, loyalty to the crown, and the social mobility that was possible for well-connected families in 17th-century England. Today, Francis Fane is remembered primarily for his role in the English peerage and as the patriarch of a family that continued to shape English society and politics for generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Francis Fane, 1st Earl of Westmorland’s family background?

Francis Fane was the eldest surviving son of Sir Thomas Fane of Badsell, Kent, and Mary Neville, suo jure Baroness le Despenser, who inherited Mereworth. He descended from the prominent Neville and Manners families and traced his lineage back to “Henry a Vane” of Kent, his thrice-great-grandfather.

His younger brother was George Fane of Burston.

Where did Francis Fane receive his education?

Francis Fane received his early education at Maidstone Grammar School and later attended Queens’ College, Cambridge, around 1595. He also joined Lincoln’s Inn to study law.

When did Francis Fane begin his political career, and who supported him?

Francis Fane began his political career in 1601, representing Kent in Parliament with the support of Henry Brooke, 11th Baron Cobham.

When was Francis Fane knighted?

He was knighted in 1603 at the coronation of King James I.

What parliamentary seats did Francis Fane hold during his political career?

Francis Fane served as a Member of Parliament for Maidstone and Peterborough during his political career.

When was Francis Fane elevated to the peerage?

In 1624, he was elevated to the peerage, becoming Baron Burghersh and Earl of Westmorland.

Who did Francis Fane marry, and what was her family background?

Francis Fane married Mary Mildmay, the daughter of Sir Anthony Mildmay, a diplomat, of Apethorpe Hall.

He and Mary had a large family with seven sons and six daughters.

Who were some of Fane’s notable children?

Notable children of Francis Fane included Mildmay Fane, 2nd Earl of Westmorland and poet, and Colonel Anthony Fane, a Parliamentary officer who died from injuries sustained at the Siege of Farnham Castle.

His daughters married into prominent families, creating influential connections for the family.

When did Francis Fane die, and where was he buried?

Francis Fane died in 1629 and was buried at Apethorpe, with a memorial inscription at Mereworth Church. His wife survived him and was later buried alongside him at Apethorpe.

Francis Fane’s legacy continued through his children, particularly his son Mildmay Fane, who succeeded him as the 2nd Earl of Westmorland.