Charles Talbot duke of Shrewsbury
| Duke of Shrewsbury | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Charles Talbot duke of Shrewsbury | |
| By Godfrey Kneller | |
| Born | 1660 |
| Duke of Shrewbury | 1694 |
| Died | 1718 |
1 Charles Talbot's family
Originally a Catholic, Shrewsbury converted to the Church of England in 1679. In 1668 he succeeded his father as earl of Shrewsbury.
2 Shrewsbury comes to England with William III
Shrewsbury was one of the signatories of the invitation to William III to come to England, and was with his invasion army. In 1694 he was made a duke by William. After his second term as a secretary of state had ended in 1700, Shrewbury retired to Rome.
3 Shrewsbury returns to politics
After returning to England in 1707, Shrewsbury's political views changed. He voted 'not guilty' in the trial of Sachverell. As a 'reward' he was appointed Lord Chamberlain on 14 April 1710, an appointment not supported by Godolphin. In the ministry he now became the influence that prepared Godolphins fall. His wife got the important position of groom of the stole. In 1713 he became Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
4 Shrewsbury's crucial role in the Hanoverian succession
When in her final days Anne had sacked Harley on 27 July 1714, St John came into power for a few days. On the 30th Shrewsbury took decisive action by having the Queen appoint him Lord Treasurer. This and his subsequent powerful support for George I crushed Bolingbroke's plans. When George I took the reins Shrewsbury gave up the treasury and continued as Lord Chamberlain to George I.
5 Career and abilities
As for abilities Shrewsbury had been dubbed 'King of Hearts' (see Barnett). It also seems that because of his charm the Whigs did not perceive him as the enemy of the Godolphin government he was in 1710.
| Career of John Somers | |
|---|---|
| 1689- 1690 | Secretary of State for the Southern Department |
| 1694- 1695 | Secretary of State for the Northern Department |
| 1695- 1698 | Secretary of State for the Southern Department |
| 1700 | Retires |
| 1710: | Lord Chamberlain |
| 1713: | Lord Lieutenant of Ireland |
| 1714: | Lord Treasurer |
8 Sources
Though not yet used for this article, the 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica has an article about Charles Talbot Duke of Shrewsbury