Charles FitzCharles, 1st Earl of Plymouth (c. 1657 – 17 October 1680), was the illegitimate son of King Charles II of England and Catherine Pegge. He had a sister, Catherine, who is believed to have become a nun. His mother went on to marry Sir Edward Greene of Samford in Essex, and had one child, Justinia Greene. His subsidiary titles were Viscount Totness and Baron Dartmouth.
Plymouth died while serving as part of the Tangier Garrison.
Contents
Life
Charles FitzCharles was born in or about 1657. He was the illegitimate son of Charles II of England, by Catherine Pegge, daughter of Thomas Pegge of Yeldersley, Derbyshire. Charles II had the affair with Catherine (or Katherine) Pegge whilst he was abroad in exile. Charles the younger was allowed to use the Royal arms with a "baton sinister, Vaire ... and was bred to the sea". He was educated abroad, probably in Spain and he was known by the nickname of "Don Carlos".
Sir William Dugdale wrote, giving much testimony of his singular accomplishments:
In the time of his youth, he was elevated to the peerage, 28 July 1675, as Baron of Dartmouth, Viscount Totness, and Earl of Plymouth, to the end he might be the more encouraged to persist in the paths of virtue, and thereby be the better fitted for the managery of great affairs when he should attain to riper years.
He married on 19 September 1678 at St Mary's Church, Wimbledon, Surrey, Lady Bridget Osborne, third daughter of Thomas Osborne, 1st Duke of Leeds, Lord High Treasurer.