Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Carlisle facts for kids
Charles Howard, 1st Earl of Carlisle (born 1628, died 1685) was an important English military leader and politician. He served in the English Parliament several times between 1653 and 1660. Later, in 1661, he was given the special title of Earl of Carlisle.
Contents
Early Life and Support for the Commonwealth
Charles Howard was born into an important family. His father was Sir William Howard of Naworth, in Cumberland. In 1645, Charles decided to support the Church of England. He also supported the government of the English Commonwealth, which was a time when England was ruled without a king.
Key Roles in the Commonwealth
Because of his support, Charles was given important jobs. In 1650, he became the High Sheriff of Cumberland, a top local official. He also bought Carlisle Castle and became its governor, meaning he was in charge of the town.
He showed great bravery in the Battle of Worcester fighting alongside Oliver Cromwell, a powerful leader at the time. In 1653, he became a member of the council of state, which was like a top government committee. He was also chosen to lead Cromwell's personal guards.
Serving in Parliament
Charles Howard was a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Four Northern Counties in 1653. He was then elected as an MP for Cumberland in 1654 and again in 1656.
Later Years and the Monarchy's Return
In 1655, Charles was put in charge of a military group called a regiment. He also helped to judge rebels in the northern parts of England. He became a deputy major-general for Cumberland, Westmorland, and Northumberland.
Supporting the Monarchy
In 1657, he joined Cromwell's Upper House, another important government group. He even voted for Cromwell to become king, though Cromwell never took the title. When Cromwell's son, Richard, took over, Charles Howard encouraged him to use force to keep control. But Richard refused.
After Richard Cromwell's government fell, Charles Howard worked to bring the king back to England. Because of this, he was briefly put in prison. However, in April 1660, he was back in Parliament for Cumberland. When King Charles II returned to the throne, Charles Howard was given more important roles, like Lord Lieutenant of Cumberland and Lord Lieutenant of Westmorland, which meant he was the king's main representative in those areas.
Becoming the Earl of Carlisle
On April 20, 1661, King Charles II gave Charles Howard several noble titles. He became Baron Dacre of Gillesland, Viscount Howard of Morpeth, and most importantly, the Earl of Carlisle. This was a very high honor.
Other Important Positions
In the same year, he became Vice-Admiral of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Durham, overseeing naval matters in those regions. In 1662, he was a joint commissioner for the office of Earl Marshal, which involved organizing important ceremonies.
In 1663, he was chosen to be an ambassador for England. This meant he traveled to other countries like Russia, Sweden, and Denmark to represent the king. In 1668, he carried a special award called the Garter to King Charles XI of Sweden.
Military and Government Roles
In 1667, Charles Howard was made a lieutenant-general of the armed forces. He also became a joint commander-in-chief for the four northern counties. In 1672, he was a commissioner for the office of Lord Lieutenant of Durham. He also became a deputy earl marshal in 1673.
He commanded a regiment in the Blackheath Army in 1673, which was a military force ready to fight against the Dutch. However, after a peace agreement called the Treaty of Westminster, this regiment was no longer needed.
Governor of Jamaica
In 1678, Charles Howard was appointed governor of Jamaica, a British colony. He was sent with instructions to introduce a specific law that would give the English king more control over the island's local assembly.
Challenges in Jamaica
However, the local planters, who were elected members of the Jamaican Assembly, strongly disagreed with this law. Charles Howard called them names and arrested their leaders, William Beeston and Samuel Long. But when Beeston and Long were sent back to England, they successfully argued their case. As a result, the governor's instructions were canceled, and the law was not put in place.
After his time in Jamaica, Charles Howard was reappointed as governor of Carlisle. He passed away in 1685 and was buried in York Minster.
Family Life
Charles Howard married Anne, and they had six children together:
- Edward Howard, 2nd Earl of Carlisle (born around 1646, died 1692)
- Lady Katherine Howard (born 1662, died 1682)
- Frederick Christian Howard (born 1664, died 1684), who was killed during a military event called the Siege of Luxembourg.
- Charles Howard (born 1668, died 1670)
- Lady Mary Howard (died 1708), who married Sir John Fenwick, 3rd Baronet
- Lady Anne Howard, who married Richard Graham, 1st Viscount Preston
Charles Howard also had a younger brother named Colonel Thomas Howard (died 1678).
