Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford

Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford,, was an English statesman and a major figure in the period leading up to the English Civil War. He served in Parliament and was a supporter of King Charles I. From 1632 to 1640 he was Lord Deputy of Ireland, where he established a strong authoritarian rule. Recalled to England, he became a leading advisor to the King, attempting to strengthen the royal position against Parliament. When Parliament condemned Lord Strafford to death, Charles reluctantly signed the death warrant and Strafford was executed. He had been advanced several times in the Peerage of England during his career, being created 1st Baron Wentworth in 1628, 1st Viscount Wentworth in late 1628 or early 1629, and, finally, 1st Earl of Strafford in January 1640. He was known as Sir Thomas Wentworth, 2nd Baronet, between 1614 and 1628.

13 April 1593

Born on the same birth day (13 April): Alan Watt (diplomat) • Eudora Welty • Juan Montalvo • Maurice Ronet • Robert Enrico • Roberto Calvi • Sorcha Boru

Born in the same month (April 1593): Edward Nicholas • George Herbert • Mumtaz Mahal • Sir John Hobart, 2nd Baronet