Henry Howard, also known as the Earl of Surrey, was an English nobleman and poet born around 1517. He is best known for his contributions to the English Renaissance and is often credited with introducing the Petrarchan sonnet form to English poetry. Howard was a member of the Howard family, a prominent noble family in England, and he served in various military and courtly roles during the reign of King Henry VIII. In addition to his literary achievements, Henry Howard was also a significant political figure. He was involved in the court intrigues of his time and was eventually executed in 1547 on charges of treason. His legacy endures through his poetry, which influenced later writers, including William Shakespeare.