Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids His Grace The Duke of Grafton KG PC FRS
Portrait by William Hoare
Lord High Steward for the coronation of King George I
In office 19 October 1714 – 20 October 1714
Monarch	George I
Preceded by	The Duke of Devonshire
Succeeded by	The Earl Cowper
Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
In office 18 June 1720 – 6 May 1724
Preceded by	The Duke of Bolton
Succeeded by	The Lord Carteret
Personal details
Born	(1683-10-25)25 October 1683
Died	6 May 1757(1757-05-06) (aged 73)
Spouse	Lady Henrietta Somerset
Children	Charles FitzRoy-Scudamore Charles FitzRoy, Earl of Euston George FitzRoy, Earl of Euston Lord Augustus FitzRoy Lord Charles FitzRoy Caroline Stanhope, Countess of Harrington Lady Harriet FitzRoy Isabella Seymour-Conway, Countess of Hertford
Parents	Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton Isabella Bennet, 2nd Countess of Arlington

Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton (born October 25, 1683 – died May 6, 1757) was an important British nobleman and politician. He held many high-ranking positions in the government during his lifetime.

Early Life and Family

Charles FitzRoy was the only child of Henry FitzRoy, 1st Duke of Grafton. His father was a son of King Charles II of England. His mother was Isabella Bennet, 2nd Countess of Arlington. Charles became the Duke of Grafton when his father passed away in 1690.

Political Career and Public Service

Charles FitzRoy was a member of the Kit-Cat Club. This was a group of important writers and politicians. He played a key role in the government.

He served as Lord High Steward for King George I's coronation. This was a very important ceremonial job. In 1715, he became a Privy Counsellor. This meant he advised the King. He was also made a Knight of the Garter in 1721. This is a very special honor.

From 1720 to 1724, he was the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. This role meant he was the King's main representative in Ireland. After that, he became Lord Chamberlain in 1724. He held this position until he passed away. The Lord Chamberlain managed the royal household.

In 1719, he helped start the Royal Academy of Music. This group put on opera shows. He also supported the creation of the Foundling Hospital in 1739. This was a famous charity in London. It helped care for abandoned children.

Marriage and Children

On April 30, 1713, Charles FitzRoy married Lady Henrietta Somerset. They had seven children together:

• Charles Henry FitzRoy, Earl of Euston (1714–1715)
• George FitzRoy, Earl of Euston (1715–1747). He was married to Lady Dorothy Boyle. He passed away without having children.
• Lord Augustus FitzRoy (1716–1741). He married Elizabeth Cosby. They had two sons who continued the family line:
  • Augustus FitzRoy, 3rd Duke of Grafton
  • Charles FitzRoy, 1st Baron Southampton
• Lord Charles FitzRoy (1718–1739)
• Lady Caroline FitzRoy (1722–1784). She married William Stanhope, 2nd Earl of Harrington.
• Lady Harriet FitzRoy (1723–1735)
• Lady Isabella FitzRoy (1726–1782). She married Francis Seymour-Conway, 1st Marquess of Hertford.

Legacy

Several places are named after Charles FitzRoy. Grafton Street in Dublin, Ireland, is one example. He owned land in that area. Grafton, Massachusetts, in the United States, is also named after him.

Winchester, New Hampshire was first called "Arlington." This was to honor his mother's family, the Earls of Arlington.

Images for kids

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  Isabella, Countess of Hertford by Alexander Roslin (1765)
  Hunterian Art Gallery, University of Glasgow