Charles Wyndham, 2nd Earl Of Egremont

Charles Wyndham, 2nd Earl of Egremont (19 August 1710 – 21 August 1763), was a British hereditary noble and politician with residences including Orchard Wyndham in Somerset, Petworth House in Sussex, and Egremont House in Mayfair, London. He served as Secretary of State for the Southern Department from 1761 until his death in 1763.

**Early Life and Education**

Wyndham was the eldest son of Sir William Wyndham, 3rd Baronet (1672–1740), who held various government positions including Secretary at War in 1712, Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1713, and led the Tory faction in the House of Commons during the reigns of King George I (1714–1727) and the early reign of King George II (1727–1760). His mother was Catherine Seymour, daughter of Charles Seymour, 6th Duke of Somerset, and sister of Algernon Seymour, 7th Duke of Somerset.

He was educated at Westminster School and matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford, in 1725. In 1727, Wyndham undertook the Grand Tour with his tutor, Mr. Campbell, initially studying at an academy in Paris for two years and subsequently traveling in France and Italy with Benjamin Bathurst. By April 1730, he was in Rome and had taken measures to avoid contact with Jacobite exiles, including the Old Pretender.

**Inheritance**

Upon his father’s death in 1740, Wyndham inherited the Orchard Wyndham estate and was created the 4th Baronet. In 1750, he succeeded as the 2nd Earl of Egremont through a special remainder following the death of his maternal uncle, Algernon Seymour, 7th Duke of Somerset. As part of his inheritance, he acquired estates formerly owned by the Percy family, including Egremont Castle in Cumbria, Leconfield Castle in Yorkshire, and Petworth House in Sussex. These properties had been inherited by the 7th Duke of Somerset via his mother, Lady Elizabeth Percy, daughter and heiress of Joceline Percy, 11th Earl of Northumberland.

**Political Career**

Wyndham served as a Member of Parliament for several constituencies: Bridgwater (1734–1741), Appleby (1741–1747), and Taunton (1747–1750).

In October 1761, he was appointed Secretary of State for the Southern Department, succeeding William Pitt, 1st Earl of Chatham. During his tenure, he was involved in the declaration of war against Spain and negotiations for peace with France and Spain, which he apparently favored less. He also participated in proceedings against John Wilkes.

He held the position of Lord Lieutenant of Cumberland from 1751 to 1763 and of Sussex from 1762 until his death in 1763.

**Marriage and Children**

Wyndham married Hon. Alicia Maria Carpenter on 12 March 1750/51. She was the daughter of George Carpenter, 2nd Baron Carpenter of Killaghy, and Elizabeth Petty. The marriage produced several children:

- George O'Brien Wyndham (1751–1837), who became the 3rd Earl of Egremont.

- Lady Elizabeth Alicia Maria Wyndham (1752–1826), married Henry Herbert, 1st Earl of Carnarvon.

- Lady Frances Wyndham (1755–1795), married Charles Marsham, later Earl of Romney.

- Lady Charlotte Catherine Wyndham (born 5 September 1756, died April 1757).

- Hon. Percy Charles Wyndham (1757–1833).

- Hon. Charles William Wyndham (1760–1828).

- Hon. William Frederick Wyndham (1763–1828), married first Hon. Frances Mary Harford and second Julia de Smorzewska, Countess de Spyterki; he had children from both marriages.

**Assessment**

According to the 1911 edition of Encyclopædia Britannica, Horace Walpole once commented on Wyndham’s abilities, suggesting he lacked knowledge of business and parliamentary skills, though the extent of this judgment is subject to historical interpretation.

**Dates and Place of Death**

Charles Wyndham died on 21 August 1763, shortly after his 53rd birthday, while in office as Secretary of State.