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 (age 39). See The Naval Chronicle 1799 Page 89 and Page 90.

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

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

1746. Thomas Hudson (age 45). Portrait of Admiral Charles Knowles 1st Baronet (age 44).

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

On 31st October 1765 Admiral Charles Knowles 1st Baronet (age 63) was created 1st Baronet Knowles of Lovell Hill.

On 9th December 1777 Admiral Charles Knowles 1st Baronet (age 75) died. His son [his son] Charles (age 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."