Charles Beauclerk, 2nd Duke of St Albans facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of St Albans
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![]() 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
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Member of the Great Britain Parliament for Bodmin |
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In office 1718–1722 Serving with John Legh (1715–1722)
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Member of the Great Britain Parliament for Windsor |
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In office 1722–1726 Serving with The Earl of Inchiquin (1722–1727)
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Personal details | |
Born | 6 April 1696 |
Died | 27 July 1751 London, England |
(aged 55)
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 |
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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.
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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:
- George Beauclerk, 3rd Duke of St Albans (1730–1786): He became the next Duke after his father.
- Lady Diana Beauclerk (around 1746–1766): She married the Rev. and Hon. Shute Barrington.
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.