Charles Cornwallis, 1st Earl Cornwallis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Cornwallis |
|
|---|---|
| Lord-Lieutenant of the Tower Hamlets and Constable of the Tower of London | |
| In office 1740–1762 |
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| Monarch | George II George III |
| Preceded by | Vacant |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Berkeley of Stratton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 29 March 1700 |
| Died | 23 June 1762 (aged 62) |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouse | Hon. Elizabeth Townshend (d. 1785) |
Charles Cornwallis, 1st Earl Cornwallis (born March 29, 1700 – died June 23, 1762) was an important British nobleman. He was known by different titles during his life: first, The Honourable Charles Cornwallis, then The Lord Cornwallis, and finally The Earl Cornwallis. He was a member of the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the British monarch.
Who Was Charles Cornwallis?
Charles Cornwallis was born into a noble family. His father was Charles Cornwallis, 4th Baron Cornwallis. His mother was Lady Charlotte. Charles had two younger brothers, Edward Cornwallis and Frederick Cornwallis.
In 1717, when he was about 17 years old, Charles went to Clare College, Cambridge to study. This was a common path for young men from important families at that time.
What Did He Do?
Charles Cornwallis took over his father's title, Baron Cornwallis, in 1722. This meant he became a member of the British nobility.
In 1740, he was given two very important jobs:
- He became a member of the Privy Council. This group advises the King or Queen on important matters.
- He was also made Lord-Lieutenant of the Tower Hamlets and Constable of the Tower of London. The Constable was in charge of the famous Tower of London. He held these jobs until 1762.
In 1753, Charles Cornwallis received even higher titles. He was made Viscount Brome and Earl Cornwallis. These new titles showed his growing importance in British society.
His Family Life
Lord Cornwallis married the Honourable Elizabeth Townshend in 1722. They had seven children together.
Their children included:
- Lady Mary Cornwallis (1736–1770)
- General Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis: He became a very famous military leader.
- Captain Hon. Henry Cornwallis (1740–1761)
- Bishop James Cornwallis, 4th Earl Cornwallis
- Admiral Sir William Cornwallis, a naval officer.
- Lady Elizabeth Cornwallis (died 1796)
- Lady Charlotte Cornwallis (died 1794)
Charles Cornwallis passed away in June 1762 when he was 62 years old. His oldest son, Charles, took over his titles. This son later became even more famous as a military commander.
