Charles Douglas, 3rd Duke of Queensberry facts for kids
Charles Douglas (born 1698, died 1778) was a very important Scottish nobleman. He owned a lot of land and held many high positions in government. He was known as the 3rd Duke of Queensberry and also the 2nd Duke of Dover. He was a member of the Privy Council and a Vice Admiral of Scotland.
Early Life and Titles
Charles Douglas was born on November 24, 1698. His birthplace was Queensberry House in Edinburgh, Scotland. His father was James Douglas, the 2nd Duke of Queensberry. His mother was Mary Boyle.
When Charles was still a child, in 1706, he received several important titles. These included Lord Douglas, Viscount of Tiberris, and Earl of Solway. In 1711, he became the Duke of Queensberry. He took over this title from his father. His older brother, James, was not able to inherit the title. This was because James had a mental illness. Charles also inherited the Marquessate of Queensberry in 1715.
Public Life and Work
In 1728, the Duke of Queensberry supported his wife's friend, John Gay. Gay was a writer whose opera, Polly, was not allowed to be performed. The Duke disagreed with King George II about this. He then resigned from his government jobs that same year.
The Duke of Queensberry was interested in helping Scotland's economy. In 1746, he invested in the British Linen Company. He was one of the first owners of this company. The company aimed to make linen fabric in Scotland. This fabric would then be sold to places like the American colonies.
From 1762 to 1776, the Duke became the Governor of the British Linen Company. During this time, the company changed how it worked. It stopped making linen in its own factories. Instead, it started giving money to other independent linen makers. This was a big moment for Scottish finance. It helped shape the future of the company and the country's economy.
The Duke also helped start the Foundling Hospital in London in 1739. This hospital cared for abandoned children. He was appointed Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland in 1761. From 1763 until his death, he was the Lord Justice General. This was a very high legal position.
Family and Legacy
On March 10, 1720, Charles Douglas married Lady Catherine Hyde. They had two sons together. Sadly, both of their sons died before the Duke did.
- Henry Douglas, Earl of Drumlanrig (1722–1754)
- Charles Douglas, Earl of Drumlanrig (1726–1756)
Because his sons passed away before him, Charles Douglas had no direct heirs. When he died in 1778, his English titles, like the Dukedom of Dover, ended. However, the Queensberry title passed to his cousin, William Douglas.
