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Charles Beauclerk, 2nd Duke of St Albans facts for kids

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The Duke of St Albans
Arms of the Duke of St.Albans.svg
Arms of Charles Beauclerk, 2nd Duke of St Albans: Arms of 1st Duke of St Albans (royal arms of King Charles II debruised by a baton sinister gules charged with three roses argent (Lennox)) quartering de Vere
Member of the Great Britain Parliament
for Bodmin
In office
1718–1722
Serving with John Legh (1715–1722)
Preceded by
Succeeded by
  • Isaac le Heup
  • Richard West
Member of the Great Britain Parliament
for Windsor
In office
1722–1726
Serving with The Earl of Inchiquin (1722–1727)
Preceded by
  • Sir Henry Ashurst
  • Samuel Travers
Succeeded by
  • The Earl of Inchiquin
  • Lord Vere Beauclerk
Personal details
Born (1696-04-06)6 April 1696
Died 27 July 1751(1751-07-27) (aged 55)
London, England
Resting place Westminster Abbey
Spouse
Lucy Werden
(m. 1722)
Children George Beauclerk, 3rd Duke of St Albans
Lady Diana Barrington
Diane Beauclerk-Lennox
Suzanne Beauclerk
Parents

Charles Beauclerk, 2nd Duke of St Albans (born April 6, 1696 – died July 27, 1751) was an important British politician. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a parliament, from 1718 to 1726. After that, he became the Duke of St Albans. He was also a grandson of King Charles II.

Family Background

Charles Beauclerk was the son of Charles Beauclerk, 1st Duke of St Albans. His mother was Diana de Vere. She was the only daughter of Aubrey de Vere, 20th Earl of Oxford.

His grandparents on his father's side were King Charles II of England and Nell Gwynne. Before he became a Duke, Charles was known as the Earl of Burford until 1726.

His Life and Work

Charles Beauclerk went to Eton College starting in 1706. This is a famous school in England. Later, in 1714, he studied at New College, Oxford.

From 1716 to 1717, he went on a Grand Tour of Italy. This was a common trip for young noblemen to learn about European culture.

Becoming a Politician

In 1718, Charles was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented the area of Bodmin in Cornwall. An MP is someone who represents a group of people in the government.

In 1722, he was elected again, this time for Windsor. He continued to serve as an MP until 1726.

Becoming a Duke

In 1726, his father passed away. Charles then became the 2nd Duke of St Albans. This meant he inherited a special title called a peerage. Because he became a Duke, he left his seat in the House of Commons.

After becoming a Duke, he held several important positions. He was the Master of the Hawks from 1726 until he died. He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire from 1727. This role meant he was the King's representative in that county.

In 1730, he became the Constable and Governor of Windsor Castle. He was also the Warden of Windsor Forest. These were important jobs related to the famous castle. From 1738 until his death, he was a Lord of the Bedchamber. This was a close attendant to the King. He was also the High Steward of Windsor.

Marriage and Children

On December 13, 1722, Charles Beauclerk married Lucy Werden. She was the eldest daughter of Sir John Werden, 2nd Baronet.

They had two children together:

Later Life and Passing

Charles Beauclerk passed away in 1751 when he was 55 years old. He died in London, England. His burial place is at Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London where many important people are laid to rest.

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