Charles Middleton, 2nd Earl of Middleton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Middleton
|
|
|---|---|
Coat of arms of the Earl of Middleton
|
|
| Secretary of State for Scotland | |
| In office 26 September 1682 – 1684 Serving with The Earl of Moray
|
|
| Monarch | Charles II |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Moray |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Moray John Drummond |
| Secretary of State for the Northern Department | |
| In office August 1684 – September 1688 |
|
| Monarch | Charles II |
| Preceded by | The Lord Godolphin |
| Succeeded by | The Viscount Preston |
| Secretary of State for the Southern Department | |
| In office September 1688 – December 1688 |
|
| Monarch | James II & VI |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Sunderland |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Shrewsbury |
| Jacobite Secretary of State | |
| In office 1693–1713 |
|
| Monarch | James II James Francis Edward Stuart |
| Preceded by | John Drummond, 1st Earl of Melfort |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Higgons |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Charles Middleton
1650 |
| Died | 9 August 1719 |
| Resting place | Saint-Germain, France |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Spouse | Lady Catherine Brudenell (ca 1648–1743) |
| Parent | |
| Occupation | Politician and soldier |
Charles Middleton, 2nd Earl of Middleton (born around 1650 – died August 9, 1719) was an important Scottish and English politician. He worked for King Charles II and King James II & VII. He held several big jobs, like being a Secretary of State for different parts of the government. Later, when King James II was no longer king and lived in France, Charles Middleton became his main advisor. He also advised James II's son, who was known as James III.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Charles Middleton was born around 1650. He was the only son of John Middleton, 1st Earl of Middleton. His mother was Grizel Durham. Charles also had two older sisters named Helen and Grizel.
His family came from a place called Kincardineshire in Scotland. Charles's father, John Middleton, was a soldier. He fought in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, a series of conflicts in Britain and Ireland. John Middleton first supported the Covenanters, a Scottish religious and political movement. Later, he changed sides and supported King Charles II.
Charles grew up during a time when King Charles II was living in exile. This means the king was forced to live outside his own country. In 1660, the king returned to power in an event called the Restoration. Charles Middleton also returned home then.
His father passed away in 1674. He left Charles with his title but also many debts. In 1683, Charles married Lady Catherine Brudenell. She was the daughter of the Catholic Earl of Cardigan. Charles and Catherine had four children: John, Katherine, Charles, and Elizabeth.
Charles Middleton was described as a kind person. He was a Protestant for most of his life. However, in 1701, he became Catholic. He did this at the request of King James II, who was dying.
Political Career
Charles Middleton likely spent some time in France and Italy between 1669 and 1671. In 1673, he became a captain in the army. His regiment, the 3rd Foot, fought in the Franco-Dutch War. By 1678, he was a Lieutenant-Colonel and governor of Bruges.
Becoming a Secretary of State
Soon after, people suggested he become the Secretary of State for Scotland. This important job went to someone else, but in 1680, Charles Middleton became an envoy. An envoy is like an ambassador, representing his country to another. He was sent to meet Emperor Leopold I.
In 1681, he returned to Scotland. There, he became a close friend of James and his wife, Mary of Modena. He was appointed to the Scottish Privy Council. This was a group of advisors to the king. On September 26, 1682, he became joint Secretary of State for Scotland.
Moving to London and New Roles
In 1684, Charles Middleton moved to London. He joined the English Privy Council in July. In August, he became the Secretary of State for the Northern Department. This was another very important government job.
When James became king in February 1685, Charles Middleton was elected to Parliament. He was given the job of managing the House of Commons. This meant he helped guide discussions and laws in Parliament.
Parliament was later paused because they would not agree to change a law called the Test Act. This law made it difficult for Catholics to hold public office. King James relied on a small group of Catholic advisors. This made Charles Middleton, who was Protestant at the time, seem suspicious to some.
The Glorious Revolution and Exile
In June 1688, Charles Middleton was present at the birth of the Prince of Wales. In September 1688, he became the Secretary of State for the Southern Department.
In November 1688, a major event called the Glorious Revolution happened. King James II fled to France. Charles Middleton stayed in England for a while. In 1692, he was held in the Tower of London. This was because he was suspected of trying to help King James return to power.
After he was released, Charles Middleton joined the exiled King James in France. They lived at a place called Saint-Germain.
Working for the Exiled King
Charles Middleton suggested a more moderate plan for King James to return to the throne. He became a joint Secretary of State with another advisor. He was in charge of talking with people in England and Scotland. In June 1694, he became the only Secretary of State for the exiled king.
In England, he was found guilty of treason in his absence. This meant he was declared an outlaw.
He continued to serve as Secretary until King James died in September 1701. After James's death, Charles Middleton was appointed to a special council. This council helped guide James's young son, James III. Even though he wanted to quit, he was convinced to stay in his role. He was given the new title of Earl of Monmouth in the Jacobite peerage. This was a special title given by the exiled king.
In 1708, Charles Middleton and his two sons went with James during an attempt to land in Scotland. This was part of a plan for France to help James return to power. Charles Middleton was allowed to resign as Secretary in 1713.
He briefly joined James in Scotland during the 1715 Rising. This was another attempt to restore the Stuart monarchy. After this, he returned to France. He served as the Lord Chamberlain for Mary, King James's wife, until she died in 1718. He received a pension from the French government. Charles Middleton died on August 9, 1719, and was buried in France.
