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The Duke of Norfolk

Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk (15 March 1746 – 16 December 1815) was born on 15 March 1746, the son of Charles Howard, 10th Duke of Norfolk and Catherine Brockholes. From 1777 until 1786 he was styled Earl of Surrey.

He was known for actively participating in the Whig party as part of the opposition to King George III. Surrey succeeded to the title of 11th Duke of Norfolk in 1786 upon the death of his father. He spent a considerable amount of his money rebuilding and refurbishing Arundel Castle after inheriting his title and lands.
He married, firstly, Marion Coppinger (daughter of John Coppinger), on 1 August 1767, who died a year later giving birth. He married, secondly, Frances Scudamore (1750–1820), the only child of Charles FitzRoy-Scudamore on 6 April 1771 at London, England. Frances soon became insane after her marriage and was locked away until her death in 1820. Howard then lived with several mistresses. His longterm mistress, Mary Ann Gibbon (a cousin of Edward Gibbon), was reputed to be his secret third wife and she had five children by him, including two sons who were officers of arms, Matthew Howard-Gibbon, and Edward Howard-Gibbon. An older illegitimate son by a previous mistress, Sir William Woods later became Garter King of Arms.

Norfolk died on 16 December 1815 at age 69, without issue from either of his two legal marriages. Upon his death, his lands and titles passed to his cousin, Bernard.

See also

• Dukes of Norfolk family tree