Charles Howard, 2nd Earl of Berkshire

Charles Howard, 2nd Earl of Berkshire KB (1615 – April 1679) was an English peer, styled Viscount Andover from 1626 to 1669, was the eldest son of Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Berkshire and his wife Lady Elizabeth Cecil.

Early career

Howard matriculated at Christ Church, Oxford in 1626 and received his BA the following year. He was subsequently admitted to both Gray's Inn and Lincoln's Inn. He was created a Knight of the Bath in 1626 at the coronation of Charles I. He was elected the MP for Oxford in 1640, but was never seated as he was given a writ of acceleration to the House of Lords before the beginning of the session. He was a Royalist sergeant-major of horse in 1643, and a Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Charles II in exile, from 1658 to 1660. He succeeded his father as Earl of Berkshire in 1669.

No credible evidence of treason was ever produced against him, although it has been argued that his sudden flight was suspicious in itself. painted ca. 1637 by Anthony van Dyck.

On 10 April 1637, Howard married Dorothy Savage (c.1611-1691), Their children included: Thomas Henry (d. 1647) John (d. 1663) Lady Anne (c. 1650 – 19 September 1682) who married was in 1666 to Sir Henry Bedingfield, 2nd Baronet. Elizabeth

Having no surviving male issue, he was succeeded by his brother Thomas in 1679.