Robert Dormer, 1st Earl of Carnarvon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Carnarvon
|
|
|---|---|
Robert Dormer, 1st Earl of Carnarvon, c.1630, by Anthony van Dyck
|
|
| Born | c.1610 |
| Died | 20 September 1643 Battle of Newbury, Berkshire, England |
| Buried | Wing, Buckinghamshire, England |
| Spouse(s) | Lady Anna Sophie Herbert |
| Issue | Charles Dormer, 2nd Earl of Carnarvon |
| Father | Sir William Dormer |
| Mother | Alice Molyneux |
Robert Dormer, 1st Earl of Carnarvon (born around 1610 – died 20 September 1643) was an important English nobleman. He held several titles, including Viscount Ascott and Baron Dormer of Wing. He was the son of Sir William Dormer and Alice Molyneux.
Robert Dormer became Baron Dormer when he was only six years old. Later, at 18, he was given the titles of Viscount Ascott and Earl of Carnarvon.
Early Life and Education
When Robert was six, his father passed away. This made him a "ward" of King James I. This meant the King became his guardian because Robert was very young and had inherited a lot of wealth. The King then sold Robert's guardianship to Philip Herbert for a large sum of money.
Robert grew up following the Catholic faith. He was known for being a lively person who enjoyed hunting. He went to school at Eton College and later studied at the University of Oxford.
King James I visited Robert's mother, Anne, Lady Dormer, at Ascott Park in 1620. Queen Anne of Denmark had also visited the park in 1612.
Marriage and Royal Service
On 27 February 1625, when he was fifteen, Robert married Lady Anna Sophie Herbert. She was the daughter of his guardian, Philip Herbert. This marriage was important for Anna's future because Robert was one of the wealthiest men in England at that time.
Anna's mother was Lady Susan de Vere. Susan was the youngest daughter of Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford, a famous poet and playwright from the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
In 1641, Robert was given the important role of Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire. This meant he was the King's main representative in that area.
Role in the English Civil War
In 1642, the English Civil War began between King Charles I and Parliament. Robert Dormer was a strong supporter of the King, known as a Cavalier. He joined the King in York and signed declarations showing his loyalty. He promised to stand by the King, even though his father-in-law supported Parliament.
Lady Carnarvon, Robert's wife, passed away on 3 June 1643.
Robert Dormer was killed during the First Battle of Newbury on 20 September 1643. He was returning from a successful cavalry charge when he was attacked by a single soldier. As he lay dying, he was asked if he had a final wish for the King. He replied that at such a moment, his only prayer was to God.
Robert Dormer was first buried at Jesus College Chapel in Oxford. Later, in 1650, his body was moved to his family's burial place in Wing, Buckinghamshire.
His eldest son, Charles, inherited his titles. Charles died in 1709, and after his death, the title of Earl of Carnarvon in the Dormer family came to an end.
