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Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Cleveland facts for kids

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The Duke of Cleveland
Arms of Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Cleveland.svg
Arms of Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Cleveland: The royal arms of King Charles II overall a baton sinister ermine
Born (1662-06-18)18 June 1662
Died 9 September 1730(1730-09-09) (aged 68)
Spouse(s) Mary Wood
Anne Pulteney
Issue 6, including:
William FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Cleveland
Father Charles II of England
Mother Barbara Palmer, 1st Duchess of Cleveland

Charles FitzRoy (born Charles Palmer) was an important figure in English history. He was born on June 18, 1662, and passed away on September 9, 1730. Charles was known by several titles during his life, including the 2nd Duke of Cleveland and the 1st Duke of Southampton. He was also a Knight of the Order of the Garter, a special honor.

Early Life of Charles FitzRoy

Charles FitzRoy was a son of King Charles II and Barbara Villiers. Barbara Villiers was later known as the 1st Duchess of Cleveland. Charles was born when his mother was married to Roger Palmer, 1st Earl of Castlemaine. Because of this, he was first known as Lord Limerick.

Barbara Palmer (née Villiers), Duchess of Cleveland with her son, Charles Fitzroy, as Madonna and Child by Sir Peter Lely
Barbara Palmer (née Villiers), Duchess of Cleveland with her son, Charles FitzRoy, as Madonna and Child by Sir Peter Lely

When Charles was born, his parents, King Charles II and Barbara Villiers, were not married. This led to some changes in his early life. He was first christened in the Roman Catholic faith. However, just six days later, King Charles II had him christened again in the Church of England.

Becoming a Duke

In 1675, when Charles was about 13 years old, he received important titles from his father, King Charles II. He was made the Duke of Southampton. He also became the Earl of Chichester and Baron Newbury. These titles showed his high rank in society.

Charles's Marriages and Family

Charles FitzRoy married twice during his life. His first marriage was in 1679 to Mary Wood. She was the only child of Sir Henry Wood. Sadly, Mary passed away from smallpox just a few months after their wedding. They did not have any children together.

In 1694, Charles married Anne Pulteney. She was the daughter of Sir William Pulteney. Charles and Anne had six children together.

  • Lady Grace (born 1697): She married Henry Vane in 1725. He later became the Earl of Darlington.
  • William FitzRoy (born 1698): He became the 3rd Duke of Cleveland and 2nd Duke of Southampton after his father.
  • Lord Charles FitzRoy (born 1698): He passed away in 1723.
  • Lord Henry FitzRoy (born 1701): He passed away in 1709.
  • Lady Anne (born 1702): She married John Paddey.
  • Lady Barbara: She never married.

When his mother, Barbara Villiers, passed away in 1709, Charles also became the 2nd Duke of Cleveland. This was because of a special rule for how the title would be passed down.

Charles FitzRoy passed away on September 9, 1730. He was buried in Westminster Abbey, a very famous church in London where many important people are laid to rest. His eldest son, William FitzRoy, inherited his titles. However, William did not have any children. Because of this, all of Charles FitzRoy's titles ended when William passed away in 1774.

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