Charles FitzRoy, 1st Baron Southampton

Charles FitzRoy, 1st Baron Southampton, was born on 25 June 1737. He was the second son of Lord Augustus FitzRoy and Elizabeth Cosby, the daughter of Colonel William Cosby. His family was part of the aristocratic FitzRoy lineage. After the death of his father in 1741, which occurred during the Battle of Cartagena de Indias, FitzRoy and his brother Augustus were cared for by their grandfather, Charles FitzRoy, 2nd Duke of Grafton.

FitzRoy entered the British Army in 1752 as an ensign in the 1st Foot Guards. With the support of his family, he achieved rapid promotions: to lieutenant and captain in 1756, and to captain and lieutenant-colonel in 1758. In 1759, he served as aide de camp to Field-Marshal Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick during the Seven Years' War, and participated in the Battle of Minden on 1 August. During this battle, FitzRoy was involved in a pivotal incident concerning Lord George Sackville’s delayed response to orders; Sackville was later court-martialed and disgraced. FitzRoy provided testimony at the court martial and was noted by Ferdinand for his conduct at Minden.

In July 1761, FitzRoy participated in the Battle of Vellinghausen. He was promoted to colonel in 1762 and commanded the 119th Regiment of Foot, which was disbanded in 1763. He was promoted to major-general in 1772 and was later advanced to the rank of general in 1793.

FitzRoy also pursued a political career. He was a member of Parliament for Orford from 1759 to 1761, for Bury St Edmunds from 1761 to 1774, and for Thetford from 1774 to 1780. His political appointments included serving as Groom of the Bedchamber from 1760 to 1762, and as Vice-Chamberlain to Queen Charlotte in 1768. He was closely associated with his brother Grafton, who served as Prime Minister at various times, though FitzRoy’s political alignments shifted over the years.

On 17 October 1780, FitzRoy was created Baron Southampton. Later that year, he was appointed Groom of the Stole to the Prince of Wales, a role he held for the remainder of his life. In this capacity, he served as a key adviser and intermediary in royal and political matters, including proceedings surrounding the Prince of Wales’s marriage and debts.

In 1782, FitzRoy's peerage was expanded to include the title Viscount Sackville, which prompted debate due to Sackville's previous court martial. Nevertheless, FitzRoy defended Sackville’s peerage during parliamentary proceedings. He continued his military service, attaining the rank of full general in 1793.

FitzRoy married Anne Warren on 27 July 1758. Anne was the daughter and co-heir of Vice-Admiral Sir Peter Warren. Their marriage produced several children, including George FitzRoy, who succeeded as the 2nd Baron Southampton, and other children such as Susannah Maria FitzRoy, William FitzRoy, Henry FitzRoy, Charlotte FitzRoy, and Warren FitzRoy. Their family resided at FitzRoy Farm near Highgate, part of the estate associated with the FitzRoy family.

Charles FitzRoy died at his residence in Stanhope Street, London, on 21 March 1797, and was buried in St James's burial ground, Hampstead Road, on 30 March. His eldest son succeeded him as the 2nd Baron Southampton.