General Notes

Thomas Howard, English military commander and courtier, the only son of John
Howard, 1st duke of Norfolk. He was created earl of Surrey in 1483 when his
father was made duke of Norfolk. At the Battle of Bosworth Field, where his
father was killed, he was wounded and taken prisoner. As he had fought on
the losing side, his titles were attainted and he was imprisoned until 1489.
on his release his earldom was restored; he was placed in command of the
defense of the Scottish border and soon recognized as the chief general in
England. in 1513 he led the forces that defeated the invading Scots at
Flodden Field, and in the following year he became duke of Norfolk. When
King Henry VIII went to the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520, Norfolk was
left to guard the kingdom. the following year he presided at the trial for
treason of his friend Edward Stafford, 3d duke of Buckingham, on whom he
passed a sentence of death. He retired in 1523.