The
Unofficial WebsiteThomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford
Although born in London, Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford spent part of
his childhood at Wentworth Woodhouse. He was educated at St John's College, Cambridge and
the Inner Temple. He became a Member of Parliament, virtual leader of the House of Commons and
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He became chief advisor to Charles I was created Baron Raby and
Earl of Strafford in 1640. The following year he was impeached for treason, imprisoned, tried
and executed in 1641.
His widow lived at Hooton Roberts and was buried there under the altar steps when she died. In the 1900s workmen found three skeletons there, one of an elderly woman, one of a child, and one of a man with the bones of his neck cut through.