Charles Gray (Colchester MP) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Gray
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Portrait of Gray now hanging in his former home.
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| Born | Baptised 20 September 1696 Colchester, Essex, England
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| Died | 12 December 1782 (aged 86) Colchester, Essex, England
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Charles Gray (born in 1696 – died in 1782) was an important person from Colchester, England. He was a lawyer and also someone who studied old things, known as an antiquary. He also served as a Member of Parliament for Colchester. This means he helped make laws for the country.
Who Was Charles Gray?
Charles Gray was born in Colchester, Essex, England. He was the only son of George Gray, who was a glazier (someone who works with glass) and owned land. Charles went to Colchester Royal Grammar School starting in 1702.
Later, he studied to become a lawyer. He joined Gray's Inn, a famous place for lawyers, in 1724. By 1729, he was a qualified lawyer. In 1754, he became a member of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists and thinkers.
Charles Gray married twice. In 1726, he married Sarah Creffield, who was a wealthy widow. After she passed away in 1751, he married Mary Wilbraham in 1755. Mary's father was also a Member of Parliament.
A Career in Law and Politics
Charles Gray had a long career in politics. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Colchester for many years. He served in Parliament during the reigns of King George II and King George III.
He was an MP from 1742 to 1755, and then again from 1761 to 1780. By the end of his time in Parliament, he was quite old and unwell. He was too sick to attend meetings in 1780. Charles Gray was known as a smart scholar and a reformer. He was also one of the first people to help manage the British Museum.
Saving Colchester Castle
One of the most important things Charles Gray did was help save Colchester Castle. He received the castle as part of his first marriage settlement. He worked hard to protect it for people in the future.
He also bought a lot of land around the castle. About 150 years later, this land was given to the town. It then became what we know today as Castle Park. This is a popular park in Colchester.
Inside the castle, Charles Gray added a special domed tower. This tower was built in an Italianate style, which means it looked like buildings from Italy. He also built a library inside the castle. In 1750, he started the Castle Society Book Club there. This club helped to keep and organize books that were given to the town.
He also put a new red tile roof on the castle, which is still there today.
His Legacy
Charles Gray was also in charge of a house that was part of his marriage settlement. This house is now the Hollytrees museum. It got its name from the holly trees that Gray planted around the building.
When Charles Gray passed away, he left most of his property to his friend James Round. James's wife, Tamar, was the daughter of Gray's stepson. Charles Gray's efforts helped preserve important historical sites for everyone to enjoy today.
