Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough
Encyclopedia
Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough KG
, PC (22 November 1706 – 20 October 1758), known as The Earl of Sunderland between 1729 and 1733, was a British
soldier
and politician
. He briefly served as Lord Privy Seal
in 1755. He led British forces during the Raid on St Malo
in 1758.
and Lady Anne Churchill, the second daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
and his wife Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough
.
Charles inherited the Sunderland title from his older brother in 1729, becoming 5th Earl of Sunderland, and then the Marlborough title from his aunt, Henrietta, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough in 1733.
He was one of the original governors of London's Foundling Hospital
, the foundation of which in 1739 marked a watershed in British child care advocacy
and attitudes.
. He led the Raid on St Malo
, a naval descent against the French coastal port. Following the Capture of Emden he led the British expeditionary force sent to join Ferdinand of Brunswick's Army of Observation on Continental Europe
but died in 1758, leaving command to John Manners, Marquess of Granby
.
He married The Hon. Elizabeth Trevor, daughter of Thomas Trevor, 2nd Baron Trevor. They had five children:
Order of the Garter
The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded in 1348, is the highest order of chivalry, or knighthood, existing in England. The order is dedicated to the image and arms of St...
, PC (22 November 1706 – 20 October 1758), known as The Earl of Sunderland between 1729 and 1733, was a British
Kingdom of Great Britain
The former Kingdom of Great Britain, sometimes described as the 'United Kingdom of Great Britain', That the Two Kingdoms of Scotland and England, shall upon the 1st May next ensuing the date hereof, and forever after, be United into One Kingdom by the Name of GREAT BRITAIN. was a sovereign...
soldier
Soldier
A soldier is a member of the land component of national armed forces; whereas a soldier hired for service in a foreign army would be termed a mercenary...
and politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
. He briefly served as Lord Privy Seal
Lord Privy Seal
The Lord Privy Seal is the fifth of the Great Officers of State in the United Kingdom, ranking beneath the Lord President of the Council and above the Lord Great Chamberlain. The office is one of the traditional sinecure offices of state...
in 1755. He led British forces during the Raid on St Malo
Raid on St Malo
The Raid on St Malo took place in June 1758 when an amphibious British naval expedition landed close to the French port of St Malo in Brittany. While the town itself was not attacked, as had been initially planned, the British destroyed large amounts of shipping before re-embarking a week later...
in 1758.
Early life
He was the second son of Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of SunderlandCharles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland
Sir Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland KG PC , known as Lord Spencer from 1688 to 1702, was an English statesman...
and Lady Anne Churchill, the second daughter of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough
John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, Prince of Mindelheim, KG, PC , was an English soldier and statesman whose career spanned the reigns of five monarchs through the late 17th and early 18th centuries...
and his wife Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough
Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough
Sarah Churchill , Duchess of Marlborough rose to be one of the most influential women in British history as a result of her close friendship with Queen Anne of Great Britain.Sarah's friendship and influence with Princess Anne was widely known, and leading public figures...
.
Charles inherited the Sunderland title from his older brother in 1729, becoming 5th Earl of Sunderland, and then the Marlborough title from his aunt, Henrietta, 2nd Duchess of Marlborough in 1733.
He was one of the original governors of London's Foundling Hospital
Foundling Hospital
The Foundling Hospital in London, England was founded in 1741 by the philanthropic sea captain Thomas Coram. It was a children's home established for the "education and maintenance of exposed and deserted young children." The word "hospital" was used in a more general sense than it is today, simply...
, the foundation of which in 1739 marked a watershed in British child care advocacy
Child advocacy
Child advocacy refers to a range of individuals, professionals and advocacy organizations who promote the optimal development of children. An individual or organization engaging in advocacy typically seeks to protect children's rights which may be abridged or abused in a number of areas.- Rights...
and attitudes.
Seven Years War
He is best known for his service in the early part of the Seven Years' WarSeven Years' War
The Seven Years' War was a global military war between 1756 and 1763, involving most of the great powers of the time and affecting Europe, North America, Central America, the West African coast, India, and the Philippines...
. He led the Raid on St Malo
Raid on St Malo
The Raid on St Malo took place in June 1758 when an amphibious British naval expedition landed close to the French port of St Malo in Brittany. While the town itself was not attacked, as had been initially planned, the British destroyed large amounts of shipping before re-embarking a week later...
, a naval descent against the French coastal port. Following the Capture of Emden he led the British expeditionary force sent to join Ferdinand of Brunswick's Army of Observation on Continental Europe
Continental Europe
Continental Europe, also referred to as mainland Europe or simply the Continent, is the continent of Europe, explicitly excluding European islands....
but died in 1758, leaving command to John Manners, Marquess of Granby
John Manners, Marquess of Granby
General John Manners, Marquess of Granby PC, , British soldier, was the eldest son of the 3rd Duke of Rutland. As he did not outlive his father, he was known by his father's subsidiary title, Marquess of Granby...
.
Children
- Lady Diana Spencer (1734–1808). Married first Frederick St John, 2nd Viscount BolingbrokeFrederick St John, 2nd Viscount BolingbrokeFrederick St John, 2nd Viscount Bolingbroke, 3rd Viscount St John was born on 21 December 1732. His father was John St John, 2nd Viscount St John, half-brother of Henry St John, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke. His mother was Anne Furnese....
and secondly Topham BeauclerkTopham BeauclerkTopham Beauclerk was a celebrated wit and the only son of Lord Sidney Beauclerk; he was the great-grandson of King Charles II. He was a friend of Dr...
. - Elizabeth Herbert, Countess of Pembroke and MontgomeryElizabeth Herbert, Countess of Pembroke and MontgomeryElizabeth Herbert, Countess of Pembroke and Montgomery was the daughter of Charles Spencer and Elizabeth Trevor.-Biography:Born Elizabeth Spencer to Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough and Elizabeth Trevor....
(January/March 1737 – 30 April 1831). Married Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of PembrokeHenry Herbert, 10th Earl of PembrokeHenry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke, 7th Earl of Montgomery was the son of the ninth earl of Pembroke, and was named after his father.-Biography:...
. - George Spencer, 4th Duke of MarlboroughGeorge Spencer, 4th Duke of MarlboroughGeorge Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough KG, PC, FRS , styled Marquess of Blandford until 1758, was a British courtier and politician...
(26 January 1739 – 29 January 1817). - Lord Charles SpencerLord Charles SpencerLord Charles Spencer PC was a British politician and courtier.-Background:Spencer was the second son of Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough, and the Hon. Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Trevor, 2nd Baron Trevor...
(31 March 1740 – 16 June 1820). - Lord Robert Spencer (3 May 1747 – 23 June 1831)
Titles
- 22 November 1706 – 15 September 1729: The Honourable Charles Spencer
- 15 September 1729 – 24 October 1733: The Right Honourable The Earl of Sunderland
- 24 October 1733 – 20 October 1758: His Grace The Duke of Marlborough