Biography of Admiral Charles Knowles 1st Baronet 1702-1777

Around 1702 Admiral Charles Knowles 1st Baronet was born illegitimately to Charles Knollys 4th Earl Banbury [aged 39]. See The Naval Chronicle 1799 Page 89 and Page 90.

On 30th April 1702 [his father] Charles Knollys 4th Earl Banbury [aged 39] and Mary Woods [aged 18] were married at St Bride's Church, Fleet Street. The difference in their ages was 21 years. He the son of [his grandfather] Nicholas Knollys 3rd Earl Banbury and [his grandmother] Anne or Abigail Sherard.

On 28th December 1725 [his half-brother] Charles Knollys 5th Earl Banbury [aged 22] and [his sister-in-law] Martha Hughes [aged 21] were married at Nursling, Hampshire. He the son of [his father] Charles Knollys 4th Earl Banbury [aged 63] and Mary Woods [aged 41].

On 26th August 1740 [his father] Charles Knollys 4th Earl Banbury [aged 78] died at Dunkirk. His son [his half-brother] Charles [aged 37] de jure 5th Earl Banbury, 5th Viscount Wallingford, 5th Baron Knollys.

On 23rd December 1740 Admiral Charles Knowles 1st Baronet [aged 38] and Mary Alleyn were married. He the illegitmate son of Charles Knollys 4th Earl Banbury.

1746. Thomas Hudson [aged 45]. Portrait of Admiral Charles Knowles 1st Baronet [aged 44].

On 24th August 1754 [his son] Charles Knowles 2nd Baronet was born to Admiral Charles Knowles 1st Baronet [aged 52].

On 31st October 1765 Admiral Charles Knowles 1st Baronet [aged 63] was created 1st Baronet Knowles of Lovell Hill.

On 13th March 1771 [his half-brother] Charles Knollys 5th Earl Banbury [aged 67] died. He was buried on 19th March 1771 at St John the Baptist Church, Burford. His son [his nephew] William [aged 44] de jure 6th Earl Banbury, 6th Viscount Wallingford, 6th Baron Knollys.

On 9th December 1777 Admiral Charles Knowles 1st Baronet [aged 75] died. His son Charles [aged 23] succeeded 2nd Baronet Knowles of Lovell Hill.

The Naval Chronicle. Mr. Charles Knowles was born in the year 1702. Lord Wallingford, his half brother, undertook the charge of his education. At the age of fourteen, from his own choice, he entered into the navy. After Lord Wallingford's death, his widow continued the friendship of her husband, and supplied the young sailor with every asaistance his unprotected situation required.

Mr. Knowles, when a boy, was of a very lively and active disposition; displaying in a variety of instances, a quickness of conception, and a clearness of expression that attracted the notice of every one who saw him. Such dispositions and qualities naturally impelled him towards a profession, which affords the most constant exercise to the brave and enterprising. Having been recommended by Lord Wallingford to Admiral Sir George Byng, afterwards Lord Torrington, he went with him as midshipman in the Barfleur, ninety guns— G. Saunders and Richard Lestock, captains; and was present at the famous battle off Cape Passaro in Sicily, in the year 17 18.

Note 1. "Sir Charles Knowles was the natural son or Charles Knowles, earl of Banbury, great grandfather to the present Earl, by a French lady of rank, and uncommon beauty, whom he seduced. Circumstances made her case to be pitied, and she was much noticed by Lord and Lady Wallingford. Admiral Knowles was a mot dutiful and affection tte - in; as soon as success enabled him, he established an house, and kep. a carriage for his mother."