Thanet was a staunch Cavalier, taking part in the Battle of Edge Hill and in 1642 he led a regiment of 100 horse to try to raise a rebellion in Sussex, taking part in the Capture of Chichester, the Battle of Muster Green, and the Siege of Chichester in support of Sir William Brockman in Kent. However, Brockman's revolt quickly collapsed, and Thanet was forced to surrender. He suffered considerably from confiscations and sequestrations of his large estates during the English Civil War.
Among his properties was Bodiam Castle, purchased from the Levett family in 1639, which Thanet sold for £6,000 in 1644.[1]
Personal life
Painting of 2nd Earl of Thanet and his wife, Lady Margaret Sackville (1614-1676)