Robert Carey, 1st Earl of Monmouth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Carey, 1st Earl of Monmouth
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Robert Carey, 1st Earl of Monmouth, c. 1591
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| Born | c. 1560 |
| Died | 12 April 1639 (aged 78–79) |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Trevannion |
| Children | Henry Carey, 2nd Earl of Monmouth Thomas Carey Philadelphia Carey |
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Robert Carey, also known as Robert Cary, was an important English nobleman and a member of the royal court. He was born around 1560 and passed away on April 12, 1639. Robert was the youngest son of Henry Carey, who was the first Baron Hunsdon. Henry was also a close relative, a first cousin, of Queen Elizabeth I. Robert's mother was Anne Morgan.
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Robert Carey's Early Life and Adventures
When Robert Carey was a young man, he traveled to other countries. He went on special trips to represent England. He also joined military adventures. In 1587, he helped try to free the town of Sluys.
In 1588, he volunteered to fight against the Spanish Armada. This was a huge fleet of ships from Spain. Later, in 1591, he led a group of soldiers. They went to France to help Henry IV of France. Robert Carey was even part of the fight for Rouen. He was made a knight that same year.
Working for the Queen
In October 1593, Robert Carey brought a Scottish rebel to Carlisle Castle. This person was Francis Stewart. Robert's brother-in-law, Thomas Scrope, was worried. Queen Elizabeth I had said her nobles should not welcome this rebel.
Robert Carey also served in the English Parliament. He represented different areas. From 1592 until Queen Elizabeth's reign ended, he worked in the Scottish border region. He became the Warden of the Middle March in 1596. This was a very important job.
He helped calm down problems in the border areas. He also stopped the raids by the Border Reivers. These were groups who stole things. Robert Carey showed great skill in dealing with these difficult situations.
A Race to Tell the King
In March 1603, Robert Carey visited the Queen's court. He saw Queen Elizabeth I during her final illness. He wrote about this in his personal writings.
After the Queen died on March 24, 1603, Robert wanted to be the first to tell the new king. This was King James I. He ignored orders from the council. He quickly rode on horseback to Scotland. He arrived at Holyrood Palace on March 26.
King James I made him a Gentleman of the Bedchamber. But many people did not approve of his actions. They said it was "contrary to all decency." When King James arrived in England, Robert lost his new job.
Caring for Prince Charles
Robert Carey went back to Scotland for business. He worked with Sir George Home. They discussed who owned Norham Castle. Robert also visited Dunfermline Palace. He stayed with Alexander Seton. Alexander was taking care of Prince Charles.
Prince Charles was still a young boy. Robert wrote that the prince was "a very weak child." Prince Charles came to England in September 1604. The king sent Robert Carey to meet him.
On February 23, 1605, Robert became the governor for Prince Charles. Robert's wife, Elizabeth Trevanion, was also important. She was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne of Denmark. Elizabeth helped Prince Charles a lot. He was a late developer and had trouble walking and talking. She taught him to walk and talk when he was three. They remained close throughout his life.
Becoming a Lord
In 1611, Robert Carey became the Master of the Robes for Prince Charles. This meant he was in charge of the prince's clothes. In 1617, he became the prince's Chamberlain. This was another important role.
On February 6, 1622, he was given a special title. He became Baron Carey of Leppington. In 1623, he went with Charles to visit Philip IV of Spain. When Charles became king, Robert was given an even higher title. In 1626, he became the Earl of Monmouth.
Robert Carey passed away on April 12, 1639. His oldest son, Henry Carey, became the next Earl of Monmouth. When Henry died, the title ended because he had no sons to inherit it.
Robert Carey's personal writings were published later. They are called his Memoirs.
Robert Carey's Family
Robert Carey married Elizabeth Trevannion on August 20, 1593. They were first cousins. Robert's mother, Anne, was Elizabeth's mother's older sister.
Robert and Elizabeth had three children:
- Henry Carey, who became the 2nd Earl of Monmouth.
- Thomas Carey.
- Lady Philadelphia Carey. She married Sir Thomas Wharton.
Robert Carey in Stories
A writer named Patricia Finney has written a series of mystery books. She writes under the name P.F. Chisholm. These books feature Sir Robert Carey as the main character. They are set during his time working on the Scottish borders.
Some of the books in the series include:
- A Famine of Horses (1994)
- A Season of Knives (1995)
- A Surfeit of Guns (1996)
- A Plague of Angels (1998)
- A Murder of Crows (2010)
- An Air of Treason (2014)
- A Chorus of Innocents (2015)
- A Clash of Spheres (2017)
- A Suspicion of Silver (2018)
Robert Carey also appears in a novel by George Garrett. It is called The Succession. In this book, an older Robert Carey tells parts of the story.
