Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle, English politician, First Lord of the Treasury (b. 1669)

Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle (c. 1669 – 1 May 1738), emerged as a prominent British nobleman, peer, and statesman during a transformative period in British history, spanning the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born around 1669, he was the eldest son of Edward Howard, 2nd Earl of Carlisle. His lineage placed him firmly within the British aristocracy, and upon the death of his father in 1692, he inherited the esteemed title, becoming the 3rd Earl of Carlisle. In 1683, at a relatively young age, he married Lady Anne de Vere Capell, the daughter of Arthur Capell, 1st Earl of Essex, a union that further cemented his connections within the powerful landed gentry and nobility.

A Life in Public Service: Political and Royal Appointments

Charles Howard's career was marked by a steady ascent through various influential political and court appointments, demonstrating his commitment to public service and his trusted position within the ruling establishment. His journey began in Parliament when he was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Morpeth in 1689. This marked his formal entry into the political landscape, a role he leveraged to secure more significant positions. From 1693 until 1728, he served as the Governor of Carlisle, a crucial administrative and military role for the city, particularly given its strategic location near the Scottish border. Concurrently, he was appointed Lord-Lieutenant of both Cumberland and Westmorland, offices he held from 1694 to 1714, placing him as the monarch's chief executive and military representative in these northern counties.

Under the reign of King William III, the Earl of Carlisle's influence continued to grow. He was appointed a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, a prestigious and intimate court position that involved close attendance on the monarch, between 1700 and 1702, reflecting his proximity and favour. More substantially, he held the pivotal role of First Lord of the Treasury from 1701 to 1702, a position akin to today's Prime Minister in terms of financial oversight. In 1701, he was also sworn in as a Privy Counsellor, granting him membership in the monarch's formal advisory body.

A unique responsibility arose between 1701 and 1706 when he acted as Earl Marshal. This ancient and significant ceremonial office, traditionally held by the Dukes of Norfolk, fell to him because his cousin, the then Duke of Norfolk, was still a minor and legally unable to fulfill the extensive ceremonial duties associated with the role. His capacity to step into such a high-profile, historical position further underscored his standing within the peerage.

Following the death of Queen Anne on 1 August 1714, a critical period of political transition ensued before the arrival of the new monarch, King George I, from Hanover. During this interregnum, Charles Howard was appointed as one of the Lords Justice of the Realm. This temporary but vital council governed the country until King George I's arrival in Great Britain on 18 September 1714. The new king recognized the Earl's experience and capabilities, reappointing him as First Lord of the Treasury from 23 May 1715 to 10 October 1715. Subsequently, he was made Constable of the Tower of London, a prestigious and historically significant position, which he held between 1715 and 1722, overseeing the famous fortress and its roles as a royal palace, prison, and armory.

The Intriguing Breholt Affair: A Nobleman and Pirate Schemes

Perhaps one of the more unusual and intriguing episodes in the Earl of Carlisle's life involved his association with the opportunistic figure, John Breholt, between 1699 and 1709. This period, often characterized by speculative ventures and blurred lines between legitimate enterprise and illicit activities, saw Carlisle back two distinct and rather audacious schemes. Initially, Carlisle supported a plan to salvage a supposed shipwreck off the coast of Havana, a venture so significant that Breholt even named his ship 'Carlisle'. This ambitious undertaking, likely fueled by promises of vast sunken treasure, ultimately yielded no riches and came to naught. During the course of this failed enterprise, Breholt let slip his true intentions – a plan to sail to Cape Verde and then onward to Madagascar to engage in outright piracy, a revelation that must have given the Earl considerable pause, yet it highlights the era's adventurous, often morally ambiguous, pursuit of wealth.

A few years later, demonstrating either persistent credulity or a strong belief in potential riches, Carlisle again lent his backing to Breholt. This time, the scheme was even more audacious and was presented directly to Queen Anne: a proposal to pardon the notorious pirates operating off Madagascar in exchange for their accumulated wealth and their return to England. Such a venture, if successful, promised immense riches to investors and a convenient resolution to the persistent problem of piracy in distant waters. However, this grand scheme unravelled dramatically when John Breholt's own colourful and deeply embedded pirate past was exposed, casting a shadow on the entire proposition and Carlisle's judgment in backing him. This affair remains a curious footnote, illustrating the speculative fervour and moral compromises sometimes made in the pursuit of wealth during this age.

An Enduring Legacy: The Grandeur of Castle Howard

Beyond his political and courtly life, Charles Howard left an indelible mark on the landscape of England with the commissioning of Castle Howard. In 1699, he initiated the construction of this magnificent Baroque mansion in Yorkshire, England. Designed by the celebrated architect Sir John Vanbrugh, with Nicholas Hawksmoor also contributing significantly, Castle Howard stands as one of the most iconic country houses in Britain, a true masterpiece of English Baroque architecture and a testament to the aristocratic grandeur and architectural ambition of the era. This grand estate, whose construction spanned many years, served not only as a principal residence but also as a powerful symbol of the Howard family's wealth, status, and refined taste. Remarkably, Castle Howard continues to be occupied by his descendants to this day, preserving a living connection to its distinguished founder and welcoming visitors from around the world.

Later Life, Death, and Descendants

Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle, passed away in Bath in 1738, at the age of approximately 69. His remains were interred in the mausoleum at his beloved Castle Howard, ensuring his lasting presence within the estate he so meticulously conceived and brought to life. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Henry Howard, who became the 4th Earl, continuing the family's legacy. The Earl and Lady Anne de Vere Capell were parents to six children, ensuring the continuation of their noble line and influence:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle?
Charles Howard was a prominent British nobleman, peer, and statesman born around 1669, who inherited the Earldom of Carlisle in 1692. He held numerous significant political and court appointments during the reigns of William III, Queen Anne, and George I, and is most famously known for commissioning the iconic Castle Howard.
What were his most notable political roles?
He served as MP for Morpeth, Governor of Carlisle, Lord-Lieutenant of Cumberland and Westmorland, First Lord of the Treasury twice, a Gentleman of the Bedchamber, and a Privy Counsellor. He also acted as Earl Marshal for several years and was a Lord Justice of the Realm during the critical transition between Queen Anne and King George I.
What is Castle Howard, and how is it connected to Charles Howard?
Castle Howard is a magnificent Baroque country house located in Yorkshire, England. It was commissioned by Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle, in 1699 and designed by the celebrated architect Sir John Vanbrugh. It stands as a testament to his vision and taste, remaining a principal residence of his descendants and a major architectural landmark.
Was Charles Howard involved in piracy?
While Charles Howard did not personally engage in piracy, he was notably involved in two highly speculative, and ultimately scandalous, financial schemes with John Breholt, a known pirate. These ventures involved backing a salvage operation and later a proposal to pardon pirates from Madagascar in exchange for their wealth, both of which failed, particularly after Breholt's own piratical past was exposed, casting a shadow on the ventures.
How many children did Charles Howard have?
Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle, had six children with his wife, Lady Anne de Vere Capell: Henry Howard (who succeeded him as the 4th Earl), General Sir Charles Howard, Lady Harriet Howard (who died young), Lady Elizabeth Anne Howard, Lady Anne Howard, and Lady Mary Howard.