Charlotte Fitzalan-Howard, Duchess of Norfolk facts for kids
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Charlotte Sophia Fitzalan-Howard (born Leveson-Gower) was an important lady in British history. She was born on July 9, 1788, and passed away on July 7, 1870. Her father was the first Duke of Sutherland, and her mother was Elizabeth, the Countess of Sutherland in her own right. Charlotte Sophia later became the Duchess of Norfolk.
Her Family Life
On December 27, 1814, Charlotte Sophia married Henry Charles Howard. He was the son of Bernard Edward Howard. Henry was expected to become the next Duke of Norfolk.
When Henry's father became the 12th Duke in 1815, Charlotte Sophia became the Countess of Arundel and Surrey. Later, in 1842, when her husband's father passed away, she became the Duchess of Norfolk.
Charlotte Sophia and Henry had five children:
- Henry Granville Fitzalan-Howard, 14th Duke of Norfolk (1815–1860)
- Lord Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 1st Baron Howard of Glossop (1818–1883)
- Lady Mary Charlotte Howard (1822–1897)
- Lord Bernard Thomas Fitzalan-Howard (1825–1846)
- Lady Adeliza Matilda Fitzalan-Howard (1829–1904)
A Special Collection of Music
One of Charlotte Sophia's most impressive achievements was creating a large collection of songs and piano pieces. She translated 166 of these pieces into five different languages! She worked on this collection between 1811 and 1823.
Her collection included music from famous composers like Rousseau, Gay, Mozart, Arnold, Arne, and Handel. Today, this amazing collection is kept at Yale University.
A Change in Laws
Henry Charles Howard and his father were Roman Catholics. At that time, there were laws that limited what Catholics could do in public life.
However, in 1829, new laws were passed that gave Catholics more rights. This was called Catholic emancipation. After these laws changed, Henry, who was then known as the Earl of Surrey, was able to be elected as a Member of Parliament.
