Charles Somerset, Marquess of Worcester

Charles Somerset, Marquess of Worcester was an English nobleman, soldier, and politician during the late Stuart period. The eldest son of Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort and Mary Capell, he was the heir apparent to one of the most prominent peerages and a key figure in the Tory interest in the West Country. His early death precluded his succession to the Dukedom of Beaufort, a title that passed instead to his son. His life was shaped by the political and religious conflicts of the era, including the Exclusion Crisis and the Glorious Revolution.

Early life and family

Born around 1660, Charles Somerset was the eldest son of Henry Somerset, 1st Duke of Beaufort and his wife, Mary Capell, a daughter of Arthur Capell, 1st Baron Capell of Hadham. He was raised within the powerful House of Beaufort, a legitimized branch of the House of Plantagenet with vast estates centered on Badminton House in Gloucestershire. His family were staunch Tories and Anglicans, deeply loyal to the House of Stuart. His education, typical for a young aristocrat, would have prepared him for a life of public service and military command, immersing him in the complex politics of the Restoration court under Charles II.

Military and political career

Somerset embarked on a military career, receiving a commission as a Colonel in the Royal Horse Guards. His political career mirrored his family's influence, and he served as a Member of Parliament for Monmouthshire from 1679 to 1681 and again from 1685 to 1687. He sat in the contentious Habeas Corpus Parliament and the Exclusion Bill Parliament, where he consistently supported the Tory and royalist cause against the Whig opposition during the Exclusion Crisis. His allegiance was tested during the Glorious Revolution of 1688; while his father, the Duke of Beaufort, initially supported James II, the family ultimately acquiesced to the new regime of William III and Mary II.

Marriages and issue

Somerset was married twice. His first marriage was to Rebecca Child, daughter of the wealthy merchant Sir Josiah Child, 1st Baronet, a prominent governor of the East India Company. This union connected the aristocratic Somerset family with new City of London wealth. After Rebecca's death, he married Mary Sackville, daughter of Charles Sackville, 6th Earl of Dorset, a leading courtier and poet. His only surviving legitimate child was Henry Somerset, who was born from his first marriage. Upon Charles's death, this son succeeded his grandfather as the Duke of Beaufort in 1700.

Later life and death

In his later years, Somerset continued to manage his interests from the family seat at Badminton House. He died unexpectedly on 13 July 1698 at his home in Chelsea. His death at a relatively young age meant he never inherited the dukedom for which he was the long-standing heir apparent. He was buried in the Beaufort Chapel at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, the traditional resting place for his family. His father, the first duke, outlived him by two years.

Legacy and titles

Although he died as Marquess of Worcester, his principal legacy was the continuation of the House of Beaufort through his son, Henry Somerset, 2nd Duke of Beaufort. The titles and vast estates of the dukedom, including lands in Wales, Monmouthshire, and Gloucestershire, passed directly to this heir. The Dukedom of Beaufort remains extant, with the family's political and social influence enduring for centuries. Somerset's life exemplifies the experience of a high-ranking Stuart nobleman navigating the treacherous waters of late-17th century English politics, religious conflict, and dynastic succession.

Category:1660s births Category:1698 deaths Category:House of Beaufort Category:British MPs 1679–1681 Category:British MPs 1685–1687