John Howard, also known as the Earl of Surrey, was a prominent character in William Shakespeare's play, Henry VIII. The Earl of Surrey is depicted as a loyal and skilled military leader, as well as a trusted advisor to King Henry VIII.
Surrey was born into a noble family in England in 1516. He inherited his title from his father, Thomas Howard, the 2nd Duke of Norfolk. From an early age, Surrey showed great promise in the field of military strategy and quickly rose through the ranks of the English army.
One of Surrey's most notable achievements was his victory at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. His tactical brilliance and leadership skills played a crucial role in securing a significant triumph for the English forces. This victory earned him the respect and admiration of his fellow soldiers and established him as a formidable military commander.
Despite his military prowess, the Earl of Surrey was also a renowned poet. He is often credited as one of the pioneers of English sonnet writing. His collection of sonnets, known as Songs and Sonnets, was published posthumously in 1557 and greatly influenced the development of English poetry.
Surrey's poetic style was characterized by his use of the Petrarchan sonnet form, which consisted of 14 lines and a strict rhyme scheme. His poems explored themes of love, beauty, and the complexities of human emotions. Surrey's poetic talent and innovation earned him a place among the great literary figures of the Tudor period.
In addition to his military and literary achievements, the Earl of Surrey was also a trusted advisor to King Henry VIII. He served as a member of the Privy Council and played a crucial role in shaping the king's policies and decisions. Surrey's loyalty and dedication to the crown made him an invaluable asset to the Tudor monarchy.
Unfortunately, Surrey's rise to prominence was short-lived. In 1546, he was accused of treason and imprisoned in the Tower of London. He was later found guilty and sentenced to death. Surrey was executed on January 19, 1547, at the age of 30.
The Earl of Surrey's legacy as a military leader, poet, and advisor to the king lives on. His contributions to English literature and his unwavering loyalty to the crown have cemented his place in history as one of the most significant figures of the Tudor period.