Francis Norris, 1st Earl of Berkshire

Francis Norris, 1st Earl of Berkshire (1582–1622) was an English nobleman with the title of Earl of Berkshire.

He was the son of Captain William Norreys and Elizabeth, daughter of Richard Morrison of Cassiobury in Hertfordshire, and was born at Wytham in Berkshire (now Oxfordshire). He married Bridget de Vere, although they later separated. Their only issue was Elizabeth Norris.

He held the titles Baron Norris of Rycote, 1st Viscount Thame and 1st Earl of Berkshire. He was sent to Fleet Prison after attacking Lord Scrope in front of the House of Lords. He committed suicide using a crossbow, on 29 January 1622 and his estates and titles became forfeit to the crown. His daughter was later given his baroncy. His illegitimate son Francis was knighted and appointed High Sheriff of Oxfordshire in 1636.

He was buried at Dorchester, Oxfordshire.

References