Charles Boyle, 4th Earl of Orrery facts for kids
Charles Boyle, the 4th Earl of Orrery, was an important English nobleman, politician, and a big supporter of science. He lived from 1674 to 1731. He was known for his learning and for a special invention named after him.
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Charles Boyle's Early Life
Charles Boyle was born in London in 1674. His father was Roger Boyle, the 2nd Earl of Orrery. Charles went to Christ Church, Oxford University. He quickly became known for being very smart and talented.
Charles Boyle's Career and Achievements
Like his grandfather, the first Earl of Orrery, Charles was a writer, a soldier, and a statesman. A statesman is someone who helps lead a country.
Becoming a Statesman and Soldier
Charles Boyle translated some ancient texts, including a famous book by Plutarch. He also published a collection of letters.
He was a member of the Parliament of Ireland, which is like a government assembly. He represented the town of Charleville from 1695 to 1699. Later, he was also a member of the English Parliament for Huntingdon.
In 1703, his brother Lionel passed away. Charles then became the 4th Earl of Orrery.
In 1706, he married Lady Elizabeth Cecil. They had a son named John the next year.
Charles joined the army and became a major-general in 1709. He also became a member of the Queen's Privy Council, which was a group of important advisors to the Queen. He was sent as a special representative to places like Brabant and Flanders. Because he did such a good job, he was given another special title: Baron Boyle of Marston.
Supporting Science and the Orrery
Charles Boyle was very interested in science. In 1706, he became a member of the Royal Society, a famous group that promotes science.
In 1713, Charles Boyle supported a talented clockmaker named George Graham. Graham created the very first mechanical model of the Solar System. This amazing device could show how the planets move around the Sun. It was named the orrery in honor of Charles Boyle.
Later Challenges
Charles Boyle received more honors during the time of King George I. However, he was later suspected of being involved in a plot against the government. This was called the Atterbury Plot. He was held in the Tower of London for six months in 1722. After an investigation, he was found innocent and released.
Charles Boyle also wrote a play called As You Find It.
In 1728, his name was listed as a supporter of the Cyclopaedia, which was a very early encyclopedia.
Charles Boyle's Later Life and Legacy
Charles Boyle passed away in Westminster in 1731. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London.
He left his personal library and his collection of scientific tools to Christ Church Library at Oxford University. Today, these instruments are on display at the Museum of the History of Science, Oxford.
His son, John, later became the Earl of Cork and Orrery.
