Charles Wheler facts for kids

Sir Charles Wheler, 2nd Baronet (born around 1620, died 1683) was an important English soldier and politician. He was known as the 2nd Baronet of Birdingbury, Warwickshire. He fought as a cavalry officer in both the English and Spanish armies. Later, in 1667, he became a Member of Parliament, representing Cambridge University.

Early Life and Education

Charles Wheler was born around 1620. He was the only son of William Wheler and Eleanor. His mother, Eleanor, lived to be 85 years old.

In 1638, Charles Wheler was a student at Trinity College, Cambridge. He later became a Fellow there. However, he was removed from his position on April 18, 1644. He earned his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree from Cambridge University. At the start of the English Civil War, he was trusted to help the Royalist cause. He and others carried the university's valuable plate (silver and gold items) to King Charles I to help pay for the war.

Serving in the Civil War

Charles Wheler was a major in a Royalist cavalry (horse) regiment. He served from the very beginning of the Civil War until 1644. Then, he moved to a foot (infantry) regiment. He continued to serve until early 1646. At that time, he surrendered to Parliament and was allowed to go into exile.

In 1656, he joined King Charles II's Guards. This was a regiment in the Spanish army at the time. He became a captain. His regiment fought in the Battle of the Dunes (1658).

After the King Returned

After King Charles II returned to power in England (this was called the Restoration), Sir Charles Wheler continued to serve.

• He was a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber from 1660, likely until 1679. This was an important role in the King's household.
• He was a captain in the 1st Foot Guards from 1661 to 1672.
• He also served in the Duke of Richmond's Horse in 1666 and Prince Rupert's Horse in 1667.

In 1667, he was elected as a Member of Parliament (M.P.) for the University of Cambridge. He held this position until 1679. From 1671 to 1672, he was the Governor of the Leeward Islands. These islands are in the Caribbean Sea. In 1678-1679, he was a colonel of a regiment. This regiment later became known as the 7th Regiment of Foot.

Sir Charles Wheler became the 2nd Baronet on August 6, 1666. He inherited this title after his first cousin, Sir William Wheler, 1st Baronet, died without children. However, he did not inherit any of his cousin's land or wealth. On February 5, 1676, he inherited an estate in Leamington Hastings, Warwickshire. This happened when his mother's first cousin, Sir Thomas Trevor, 1st Baronet, died without children.

Sir Charles Wheler passed away on August 26, 1683, at the age of 64. He was buried in Leamington Hastings. His eldest surviving son, Sir William Wheler, 3rd Baronet (1654–1709), became the 3rd Baronet.

Family Life

On August 7, 1648, Charles Wheler married Dorothy. She was the daughter of Sir Francis Bindlosse. Charles and Dorothy had three sons and two daughters:

• Trevor, their oldest son, became a major in his father's foot regiment. Sadly, he died on October 12, 1678, before his father passed away.
• William was the son who inherited his father's title. He married Teresa, and they had four sons and five daughters.
• Sir Francis Wheler became an admiral in the Royal Navy. He was knighted for his service. He married Arabella, and they had children. He tragically drowned when his ship was wrecked off the coast of Scilly.
• Cicely married a man named Blount.
• Dorothy-Elizabeth was a maid of honour to Queen Catherine. She later married the Count of Nassau.