| His Grace The Duke of Marlborough KG PC | |
|---|---|
| |
| Lord Privy Seal | |
In office 1755–1755 | |
| Monarch | George II |
| Prime Minister | The Duke of Newcastle |
| Preceded by | The Earl Gower |
| Succeeded by | The Earl Gower |
| Lord Steward of the Household | |
In office 1749–1755 | |
| Monarch | George II |
| Prime Minister | Henry Pelham The Duke of Newcastle |
| Preceded by | The Duke of Devonshire |
| Succeeded by | The Duke of Rutland |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 22, 1706 |
| Died | 20 October 1758 (aged 51) |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Trevor |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Great Britain
|
| Service/branch |  British Army
|
| Battles/wars | Seven Years' War |
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 from the Spencer family. He briefly served as Lord Privy Seal in 1755. He led British forces during the Raid on St Malo in 1758.
Early life[]
He was the second son of Charles Spencer, 3rd Earl of Sunderland 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.
Seven Years War[]
He is best known for his service in the early part of the Seven Years' War. 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.
Children[]
A young Charles Spencer, painted by John Vanderbank.
He married The Hon. Elizabeth Trevor (c. 1713 - 1761), daughter of Thomas Trevor, 2nd Baron Trevor. They had five children:
- Lady Diana Spencer (1734–1808). Married first Frederick St John, 2nd Viscount Bolingbroke and secondly Topham Beauclerk.
- Elizabeth Herbert, Countess of Pembroke and Montgomery (January/March 1737 – 30 April 1831). Married Henry Herbert, 10th Earl of Pembroke.
- George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough (26 January 1739 – 29 January 1817).
- Lord Charles Spencer (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
References[]
Lee, Sidney, ed (1898). "Spencer, Charles (1706-1758)". Dictionary of National Biography. 53. London: Smith, Elder & Co.
The original article can be found at Charles Spencer, 3rd Duke of Marlborough and the edit history here.