Name William 3rd Spouse(s) Christiana North | Nationality English Tenure 1549–1589 | |
![]() | ||
Resting place Church of St Cadoc, Raglan, Monmouthshire Children Edward Somerset, 4th Earl of Worcester Parents Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester, Elizabeth Somerset, Countess of Worcester Grandchildren Henry Somerset, 1st Marquess of Worcester, Lady Blanche Arundell Cousins Henry Brereton, Sir John Savage, Thomas Brereton Similar People Edward Somerset - 4th Earl o, Henry Somerset - 2nd Earl, John Beaufort - 1st Earl of, Lady Blanche Arundell, Catherine of York |
William Somerset, 3rd Earl of Worcester, KG (c. 1526/7 – 21 February 1589) was an English courtier, nobleman, and politician. He was the eldest son of Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester and his second wife Elizabeth Browne.
On 26 November 1549, he succeeded his father and became the 3rd Earl of Worcester. Before 19 May 1550, Worcester married Christiana North. She was a daughter of Edward North, 1st Baron North and his wife Alice Squire. They were parents to three children:
Worcester supported Lady Jane Grey in 1553. He was invested as Knight, Order of the Garter (K.G.) in 1570. William Somerset died at his house Hackney on 21 February 1589 and was buried in the Church of St Cadoc, Raglan, Monmouthshire.
He was a patron of the arts, and sponsored - among others - the eminent Elizabethan actor Edward Alleyn.