Charles Gladstone facts for kids

Sir Charles Andrew Gladstone (born October 28, 1888, died April 28, 1968) was an important British figure. He was a teacher at the famous Eton College. He also held the title of a Baronet, which is a special inherited title in Britain. He was the grandson of William Ewart Gladstone, who was once the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

Early Life and Education

Charles Gladstone was born in 1888. His father was Stephen Edward Gladstone and his mother was Annie Crosthwaite Wilson. When he was just ten years old, Charles attended the funeral of his famous grandfather, William Ewart Gladstone.

He went to school at Eton College, a very well-known school in England. After Eton, he continued his studies at Christ Church, Oxford, which is part of the famous University of Oxford.

A Teacher at Eton

After finishing his education, Charles Gladstone returned to Eton College. He became a teacher there, known as a "Master." He taught at Eton for many years, from 1912 until 1946.

In 1912, he also joined the Territorial Force, which was a volunteer army group. He was a second lieutenant and worked with Eton's Officer Training Corps. This group helped train young students who might want to become army officers.

Service in World War I

Charles Gladstone fought in World War I. In April 1915, he joined the Royal Flying Corps, which was the air force of Britain at the time. During the war, he was captured and became a POW. This means he was held by the enemy until the war ended.

After the war, he continued to serve with the Eton Officer Training Corps. He stayed with them until 1924, when he left the service. He was given the honorary rank of lieutenant.

Family Life

On January 3, 1925, Charles Gladstone married Isla Margaret Crum. Her father was Sir Walter Erskine Crum. Charles and Isla had six children together.

Their oldest son was Sir Erskine William Gladstone, who later became the 7th Baronet. Another one of their sons, Peter Gladstone, became a well-known naturalist, someone who studies nature.

Public Service Roles

Charles Gladstone also served his community in several important ways. In 1929, he became a deputy lieutenant for Hampshire. This is a special role that helps the main representative of the King or Queen in a county. From 1948 to 1968, he was the Vice-Lieutenant for Hampshire.

He also worked as a justice of the peace (JP) for Flintshire. A JP is a volunteer who helps with local court cases and other legal duties. In 1951, he held the important position of High Sheriff of Flintshire. This role involves helping with law and order in the county. In 1955, he was honored as a Commander of the Venerable Order of Saint John, a special award for public service.

Becoming a Baronet

Charles Gladstone became the 6th Baronet Gladstone, of Fasque and Balfour, on March 2, 1967. He inherited this title after his older brother, Sir Albert Charles Gladstone, passed away.

Even though he was officially the 6th Baronet, he chose not to use the title much. When he passed away, his son, Sir William Gladstone, 7th Baronet, inherited the Baronetage.