Charles Godfrey (courtier) facts for kids

Colonel Charles Godfrey (born 1646 – died 1714) was an important English Army officer and politician. He was also a courtier, meaning he worked closely with the Royal Family. Charles Godfrey was a Whig politician. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in both the English and British House of Commons for 22 years. This was between 1689 and 1713.

Charles Godfrey's Early Life and Military Career

Charles Godfrey was born in Westminster on November 6, 1646. His family came from Norfolk. He was baptised on November 26 at Mapledurham, Oxfordshire.

Joining the Army

Charles Godfrey joined the cavalry, which is the part of the army that fights on horseback. By 1674, he was a captain in the Grenadier Guards. In 1678, he became a lieutenant-colonel. He also served as a captain-lieutenant of horse in the Duke of Monmouth's regiment. In 1679, he became a major in Lord Gerard's regiment.

Marriage and Royal Connections

On June 1, 1680, Charles Godfrey married Arabella Churchill. She had been close to King James II. This marriage made Charles Godfrey the brother-in-law of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. Marlborough was a very famous military leader.

This connection helped Godfrey gain important positions in the Royal Household. He also became a close friend of Thomas Wharton. Wharton was an important political figure.

The Glorious Revolution

In 1688, Charles Godfrey was one of the first people to join Prince William of Orange. This was during the Glorious Revolution. As a reward, he was given his own regiment. He became the Colonel of Godfrey's Regiment of Cuirassiers.

Charles Godfrey's Political Career

Charles Godfrey became a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's main law-making body.

Serving in Parliament

In 1689, Charles Godfrey was elected as MP for Malmesbury. In 1690, he tried to become an MP for Westminster but was not successful.

However, in 1691, he was elected as MP for Wycombe. His friend Thomas Wharton helped him win this election. He was re-elected for Wycombe in 1695 and 1698.

Roles in the Royal Household

In 1698, Charles Godfrey was given the job of Master of the Jewel Office. This meant he was in charge of the King's jewels and plate.

In 1704, he became a Clerk of the Green Cloth. This was another important job in the British Royal Household. He kept this job for the rest of his life. The Clerk of the Green Cloth helped manage the Royal Household. They were also in charge of organising royal journeys.

Later Elections and Votes

Charles Godfrey was re-elected as MP for Wycombe in the 1705 English general election. He was elected again in the 1708 British general election as a Whig MP.

As an MP, he voted on important issues. For example, in 1709, he voted to allow Palatines (people from a region in Germany) to become British citizens. In 1710, he voted for the impeachment of Dr. Sacheverell. This was a trial against a clergyman who was accused of speaking against the government.

In 1711, he voted for the 'No Peace Without Spain' motion. This meant he supported continuing the war until Spain was taken from France. However, in 1713, he voted against his own party on a bill about trade with France.

End of His Political Career

In the 1713 British general election, his friend Thomas Wharton decided not to support him. Because of this, Charles Godfrey could not find another place to be elected as an MP.

He lived in Great Windmill Street in London, near Piccadilly Circus.

Death and Family

Charles Godfrey died on February 23, 1714. He was visiting Bath, Somerset at the time. He was buried in Bath Abbey.

He and his wife, Arabella, had one son and two daughters. Sadly, his son Francis died before him in 1712. His daughter Elizabeth married Edmund Dunch, who was also an MP. His other daughter, Charlotte, married Hugh Boscawen, 1st Viscount Falmouth.