Charles Howard, 9th Earl of Suffolk

Charles Howard, 9th Earl of Suffolk, was born in 1746 in England. He was the eldest son of Henry Howard, 10th Earl of Suffolk, and his wife, Mary Blount. Charles inherited the title of Earl of Suffolk upon his father's death in 1757. Charles Howard was educated at Eton College and then at Clare College, Cambridge. He was interested in politics and was a Member of Parliament for Carlisle from 1768 to 1774. He later became a member of the House of Lords. In 1779, Charles Howard married Margaretta Stanhope, daughter of Charles Stanhope, 3rd Earl of Harrington. The couple had four children together - Charles, Henry, Margaretta, and Harriet. During the American Revolutionary War, Charles Howard served as a colonel in the British army. He later became a lieutenant general and served in various military posts. In 1790, he was appointed governor of Chelsea Hospital, a position he held until his death. Charles Howard was also a patron of the arts and sciences. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and supported the work of artists such as Joseph Wright of Derby and Joshua Reynolds. Charles Howard died in 1815 at his home, Charlton House, in London. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Charles Howard, 11th Earl of Suffolk.