Earl of Strafford is a title that has been created three times in English and British history.
Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford (of the first creation)
Diesel locomotive No 2895 Earl of Strafford of the Elsecar Heritage Railway
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.
Portrait by Anthony van Dyck, 1639
Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford in an Armour, 1639, another portrait by Sir Anthony van Dyck
The Earl of Strafford with his secretary, Sir Philip Mainwaring
Detailed engraving of trial of Strafford by Wenceslas Hollar, labelling various people who were present