Charles Eden (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Eden
|
|
|---|---|
| 2nd Governor of North Carolina | |
| In office 28 May 1714 – 26 March 1722 |
|
| Monarch | |
| Preceded by | Thomas Pollock (acting) |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Pollock (acting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1673 County Palatine of Durham, England |
| Died | 26 March 1722 (aged 48) Bertie County, North Carolina |
| Resting place | St. Paul's Church, Edenton 36°03′40.6″N 76°36′31.8″W / 36.061278°N 76.608833°W |
| Spouse | Penelope Golland |
Charles Eden (1673 – 26 March 1722) was an important British official. He served as the second Governor of the Province of North Carolina from 1714 until his death in 1722. As Governor, he was in charge of the colony for the British King.
Contents
Charles Eden: A Colonial Governor
Charles Eden became the Governor of North Carolina on May 28, 1714. His time as governor is often remembered because of his connections with famous pirates. These pirates operated in the waters near North Carolina.
Governor and Pirates
Two well-known pirates, Stede Bonnet and Blackbeard (whose real name was Edward Teach), surrendered to Governor Eden. They received a special "King's Pardon." This pardon meant they would not be punished if they promised to stop their pirate activities. However, both Bonnet and Blackbeard later returned to piracy.
In 1719, a leading person in North Carolina named Edward Moseley accused Governor Eden. Moseley claimed that Eden was secretly benefiting from Blackbeard's crimes. Moseley was arrested and had to pay a fine for making these accusations.
Later, a letter was found on Blackbeard's body after he died. This letter was from Tobias Knight, who was Governor Eden's secretary. It mentioned that the Governor wanted to meet Blackbeard. Also, goods taken from a ship by Blackbeard were found in Knight's barn. These things made some people think that Eden might have been involved with the pirates.
Governor Eden explained his dealings with Blackbeard to the provincial council. The council accepted his explanation and believed he was innocent. Even so, his connection to Blackbeard has remained a topic of discussion.
Later Life and Legacy
Governor Eden passed away from yellow fever in Bertie County, North Carolina in 1722. He was 48 years old. The town of Edenton, North Carolina was named in his honor. His remains were later moved to the churchyard of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Edenton.
Charles Eden in Pop Culture
Charles Eden was shown as a character in the 2006 TV mini-series called Blackbeard. The actor Richard Chamberlain played him. However, the show took some creative liberties with history. For example, it showed Eden as the governor of New Providence, which is now in the Bahamas, instead of North Carolina. The series also focused a lot on the idea that Eden traded with Blackbeard.
