Charles Gerard, 2nd Earl of Macclesfield facts for kids

Charles Gerard, 2nd Earl of Macclesfield (born around 1659 – died 5 November 1701) was an important English nobleman, a soldier, and a member of Parliament. He lived during a time of big changes in England's history.

Life Story of Charles Gerard

Charles Gerard was born in France. His father was Charles Gerard, 1st Earl of Macclesfield, and his mother was Jeanne de Civelle. In 1677, a special law was passed that made him an English citizen.

Early Career and Politics

Charles Gerard had a career in the military. By 1678, he was a lieutenant-colonel, which is a high rank in the army. A year later, in 1679, he became a full colonel.

He also became involved in politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Lancashire in 1679 and again in 1681. This meant he helped make laws for the country.

Challenges and Return to Parliament

Like his father, Charles Gerard was involved in some political challenges during his time. In 1685, he faced serious trouble related to a plot against the king, called the Rye House Plot. He was sentenced to death, but luckily, King Charles II gave him a pardon, which meant he was forgiven and saved.

After these difficulties, he was re-elected as a Member of Parliament for Lancashire in 1689. He continued to represent Lancashire until 1694. That year, his father passed away, and Charles Gerard became the 2nd Earl of Macclesfield, taking over his father's title.

He also held important local roles. From 1689 until his death, he was the Custos Rotulorum for Lancashire, which meant he was the chief keeper of the county's records. In 1697, he was also the Lord Lieutenant of Denbighshire and a Colonel in the Denbighshire Militia, a local army group.

Military Service and Special Mission

In 1694, Charles Gerard became a major-general in the army. He served in other countries as well. In 1701, he was chosen for a very special mission. He was the main person in charge of giving the order of the Garter to the Elector of Hanover. The Elector later became King George I of Great Britain. During this trip, Charles Gerard also gave a copy of an important document called the Act of Settlement to the Dowager Electress Sophia.

Charles Gerard died suddenly on 5 November 1701, when he was about 40 years old. He did not have any children who could legally inherit his title.

Family and Legacy

Charles Gerard's title as Earl of Macclesfield eventually passed to his younger brother, Fitton Gerard, 3rd Earl. However, Fitton Gerard also passed away without heirs in December 1702, and so the title of Earl of Macclesfield ended.

When Charles Gerard died, he left most of his property to Charles Mohun, 4th Baron Mohun. Mohun had married Charlotte Orby, who was a granddaughter of the 1st Earl of Macclesfield. Even though they separated later, Mohun had joined Charles Gerard on a military trip in 1694.

Another person, James Douglas, 4th Duke of Hamilton, also believed he had a right to the estate. His wife, Elizabeth Gerard, was also a granddaughter of the 1st Earl. It seems Charles Gerard preferred Mohun. This led to a long legal disagreement between Mohun and Hamilton. After more than ten years, their dispute ended tragically in a famous duel in Hyde Park, where both men lost their lives.