Charles Howard, 2nd Earl of Berkshire facts for kids
Charles Howard, 2nd Earl of Berkshire KB (born 1615 – died April 1679), was an important English nobleman. He was known as Viscount Andover from 1626 until 1669. Charles was the oldest son of Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Berkshire and his wife, Lady Elizabeth Cecil.
Early Life and Royal Service
Charles Howard became a Knight of the Bath in 1626. This was a special honor given by the King. In 1640, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Oxford. However, he never took his seat in Parliament. This was because he was called to join the House of Lords before the session began.
During the English Civil War, Charles Howard supported the King. He served as a royalist sergeant-major in the cavalry in 1643. Later, when King Charles II was living in exile, Charles Howard was one of his close attendants. He was a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to the King from 1658 to 1660. In 1669, he became the Earl of Berkshire after his father passed away.
Facing Political Challenges
As a respected member of the nobility, Charles Howard supported the Duke of York. The Duke of York was the King's brother and was expected to become the next king. He was also Catholic. Because of this, Charles Howard became a target during a difficult time known as the Popish Plot.
During this period, some people, like Titus Oates, made false accusations. They claimed there was a secret plan against the King. Many important Catholic figures were accused. Charles Howard's cousin, William Howard, 1st Viscount Stafford, was also accused and faced serious consequences. Charles Howard was more careful than his cousin. In November 1678, he left England and went abroad. He did this before any official accusations were made against him. He passed away in Paris the following April.
No real proof of wrongdoing was ever found against Charles Howard. Some people thought his sudden departure was suspicious. However, letters he wrote in 1674 only showed his strong support for the future King James II. He promised to stand by him "in the dark hour of his fortune." A supposed confession he made before he died was later found to be fake.
Family Life
On April 10, 1637, Charles Howard married Hon. Dorothy Savage. She was the daughter of Thomas Savage, 1st Viscount Savage and Elizabeth Savage, Countess Rivers. Charles and Dorothy had three sons, but sadly, all of them died when they were young. They also had one daughter named Anne (born around 1650 – died September 19, 1682). Anne married Henry Bedingfield in 1666, but she did not have any children.
Since Charles Howard had no sons who lived, his brother, Thomas, became the 3rd Earl of Berkshire in 1679.
