Charles Wentworth-Fitzwilliam, 5th Earl Fitzwilliam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl Fitzwilliam
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copy of a portrait by John Hoppner
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| Born |
Charles William Wentworth-FitzWilliam
4 May 1786 |
| Died | 4 October 1857 (aged 71) |
| Nationality | British |
| Alma mater | Eton College (1802) |
| Spouse(s) |
Hon. Mary Dundas
(m. 1806; died 1830) |
| Children | 13, including:
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Charles William Wentworth Fitzwilliam (born May 4, 1786 – died October 4, 1857) was an important British nobleman and politician. He held the title of the 5th Earl Fitzwilliam. He was known for his work in politics and for leading important scientific and statistical groups.
Who Was Earl Fitzwilliam?
Charles William Wentworth Fitzwilliam was a powerful figure in Britain during the 1800s. He was a nobleman, which means he belonged to a high-ranking family with a special title. He was also a politician, working to make laws and lead the country.
He was the president of the Royal Statistical Society three times. This society collects and studies facts and figures about people and things. He also led the British Association for the Advancement of Science when it first started in 1831. This group helps new scientific discoveries.
Early Life and Education
Charles was the only son of William Fitzwilliam, 4th Earl Fitzwilliam and his first wife, Lady Charlotte Ponsonby. He went to Eton College, a famous school, from 1796 to 1802.
A Career in Politics
Before he became Earl Fitzwilliam in 1833, he was known as Viscount Milton. This was a special title given to him because of his father's rank. As Viscount Milton, he was a Whig Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is someone elected to represent people in the British government. He represented Northamptonshire from 1831 to 1832.
Fitzwilliam strongly supported changing Parliament to make it fairer. He also worked hard to get rid of the Corn Laws. These laws made food expensive for ordinary people. His family's main home was Wentworth Woodhouse, which was said to be the largest private house in England.
Family Life
Charles William Wentworth Fitzwilliam married the Hon. Mary Dundas on July 8, 1806. She was his cousin. They had thirteen children together. Mary passed away in 1830.
Their children included:
- Lady Charlotte Wentworth-FitzWilliam (born 1807)
- Lady Mary Wentworth-FitzWilliam (born 1810)
- William Charles Wentworth-FitzWilliam, Viscount Milton (born 1812)
- Lady Frances Laura Wentworth-FitzWilliam (born 1813)
- William Thomas Spencer Wentworth-Fitzwilliam (born 1815), who later became the 6th Earl Fitzwilliam.
- Hon. George Wentworth-Fitzwilliam (born 1817)
- Lady Anne Wentworth-Fitzwilliam (born 1819)
- Hon. Charles William Wentworth-Fitzwilliam (born 1826)
- Lady Albreda Elizabeth Wentworth-Fitzwilliam (born 1829)
