Charles Bertie (senior) facts for kids

Charles Bertie

Charles Bertie (born around 1640 – died 22 March 1711) was an important person in British history. He worked as a government official, a diplomat (someone who represents their country abroad), and a politician. He was a member of the English and later British Parliament from 1678 until his death in 1711.

Charles Bertie became the Secretary to the Treasury, which meant he helped manage the country's money. He worked for his brother-in-law, the Earl of Danby, from 1673 to 1679. Later, he also held the job of Treasurer of the Ordnance twice. This role involved managing military supplies like weapons and ammunition.

Early Life and Travels

Charles Bertie was the fifth son of Montagu Bertie, 2nd Earl of Lindsey. He went to school at Amersham and probably Westminster School. He also joined the Middle Temple in 1658, which was a place where people studied to become lawyers. However, he decided not to become a lawyer. Instead, he spent several years traveling in France and Switzerland.

He wanted to work as a diplomat. From 1664 to 1665, he worked in Madrid, Spain, helping Sir Richard Fanshawe, who was a representative for the King. The King heard good things about Charles Bertie. In 1665, he earned a Master of Arts degree from the University of Oxford. He also became a second lieutenant in the Royal Navy and a captain in the Coldstream Guards in 1668.

In 1670, Bertie traveled through countries like Scandinavia (which includes Denmark, Norway, and Sweden). In March 1671, he was sent as a special representative to Denmark. He went there through Hamburg and returned home in February 1672 after finishing his important talks.

Working for the Treasury

Charles Bertie and his sister Elizabeth Bertie

In 1673, Charles Bertie's brother-in-law, who was then called Viscount Latimer, became the Lord High Treasurer. This was a very important job in charge of all the country's money. This helped Charles Bertie get ahead. He was made Secretary to the Treasury and worked as his brother-in-law's main helper there until 1679.

In 1673, he also bought a large property in Uffington, Lincolnshire. The next year, he married Mary, who passed away in 1679.

Charles Bertie wanted more important jobs in the Treasury. In 1675, he arranged to take over the job of Treasurer of the Ordnance later. The next year, he also got the job of Auditor of the Receipt of the Exchequer, which involved checking government accounts. He tried to become a member of Parliament in 1675 but didn't win. However, in February 1678, he was elected to represent Stamford in Parliament.

Trouble began for his brother-in-law, the Earl of Danby. Danby was involved in a secret deal where King Charles II received money from the King of France, Louis XIV. When this became public, Danby was blamed. Charles Bertie supported Danby and tried to protect him, but it didn't work. Because of his support, Charles Bertie lost his seat in Parliament in January 1679. He himself got caught up in a disagreement about how secret government money was spent. In May, he refused to give information without the King's permission and was held by Parliament until it was dismissed in July.

Later Career

In the summer of 1680, Charles Bertie was sent as a special representative to Germany. He traveled through many German states. He returned to England in June 1681 and became the Treasurer of the Ordnance that August. When James II became King, Bertie was again elected as a Member of Parliament for Stamford. Around this time, he also built a new large house in Uffington and took on local roles in Boston and Stamford.

Bertie remained in King James's good favor, even when the King changed his policies. He was considered a possible go-between for King James and Danby during a difficult time. Because of his connection with Danby, he kept his influence even after the Glorious Revolution, when William of Orange became King. He supported the idea of making King James's daughter, Mary, Queen.

Even though Danby became very important again, Charles Bertie didn't get a lot of political power. He held some smaller jobs, like helping the Justice in Eyre (a type of judge) from 1693 to 1697. He remained a loyal Tory politician.

In 1699, when Danby lost his power, Charles Bertie also lost his job as Treasurer of the Ordnance. But he got it back in 1702 when Queen Anne came to the throne. He lost the job again in 1705, likely because he supported a certain bill in Parliament. In 1710, he opposed the impeachment of Henry Sacheverell, a clergyman.

Death and Legacy

Charles Bertie was not well for much of 1710 and passed away on 22 March 1711. He was buried in Uffington. His monument there says he had an "unspotted reputation" and served Stamford for over 30 years. He and his wife had two children:

• Charles Bertie (born after 1674 – died 1730), who took his father's place as a Member of Parliament for Stamford.
• Elizabeth Bertie (born 24 July 1675 – died 20 December 1730), who married Charles Mildmay, 18th Baron FitzWalter in 1693.

Images for kids

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  Charles Bertie

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  Charles Bertie and his sister Elizabeth Bertie