As a youth, Clifford spent time at the court of King Henry VIII and was knighted at Henry's coronation in 1509. He was later appointed
Sheriff of Yorkshire in 1522 and became hereditary
Sheriff of Westmorland on the death of his father in 1523. As part of King Henry VIII's plans for the defence of the Scottish border, he was created
Earl of Cumberland on 18 June 1525 and made
Warden of the West Marches and
Governor of
Carlisle Castle. Replaced by
William, Baron Dacre, he was reinstated to the post in 1534 after Dacre was accused of treason. During the
Pilgrimage of Grace he remained loyal to the crown and was besieged in Skipton Castle by the rebels. He was made a
Knight of the Garter by a grateful King Henry VIII in 1537.[4]