Carlisle, Charles Howard, 3rd earl of

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Carlisle, Charles Howard, 3rd earl of (1669–1738). Though twice 1st lord of the Treasury, Carlisle's political career was episodic and inconsequential, and his lasting achievement was the building of Castle Howard. He entered Parliament as a Whig in 1689 on the family interest at Morpeth, succeeded to the earldom in 1692, and was appointed lord-lieutenant of Cumberland and Westmorland in 1694. William III showed him favour, making him a gentleman of the bedchamber in 1700 and 1st lord of the Treasury in December 1701. But on Anne's succession in 1702, he was dismissed. He was reappointed 1st lord in May 1715 by George I, giving way to Walpole in October. Henceforth he held only minor court office. Increasing gout and his love for Castle Howard made him reluctant to leave Yorkshire: Walpole wrote in 1730 of ‘the retired country life which you seem to make your choice’. He was buried in the vast mausoleum at Castle Howard designed by Hawksmoor.

J. A. Cannon

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