Carew Raleigh
An academic exploration of the life of Carew Raleigh (1605-1666), son of Sir Walter Raleigh, detailing his unique birth, education, parliamentary career, and governorship amidst the English Civil War and Restoration.
Discover His Origins 👇 Explore His Political Life 🏛️Unique Origins
Birth in Captivity
Carew Raleigh entered the world under extraordinary circumstances, born within the confines of the Tower of London in 1605[1]. This was during the extended incarceration of his renowned father, Sir Walter Raleigh. This unusual beginning marked the start of a life intrinsically linked to the legacy and fortunes of his father.
Scholarly Pursuits
His early education was rigorous, culminating in attendance at Wadham College, Oxford. This period of academic development provided him with a strong intellectual foundation, preparing him for the complex societal and political landscape he would later navigate.
Navigating the Royal Court
A Royal Encounter
Following his father's death, Carew Raleigh was presented at court. However, his reception was notably cool. King James I is reputed to have remarked that Carew resembled his father's "ghost," a sentiment that underscored the lingering shadow of Sir Walter Raleigh's controversial life and execution. This initial encounter set a tone of royal apprehension towards the younger Raleigh.
Restoration of Rights
A significant challenge Carew faced was the restoration of his blood rights, which had been forfeited due to his father's attainder. King James I initially refused his assent to a parliamentary bill aimed at rectifying this. Later, King Charles I followed a similar path, only eventually allowing the bill to be enacted in 1628. This protracted legal and political struggle highlights the complex relationship between the Crown and families with compromised standing.
Parliamentary Service
Member of Parliament
Carew Raleigh entered the political arena by being elected as a Member of Parliament for Haslemere in 1649. He served during a period of immense political turmoil in England.
Navigating Political Shifts
His parliamentary tenure was marked by significant upheaval. He sat until the Long Parliament was ejected in 1653. He briefly returned to Parliament when the Rump Parliament was restored from May to October 1659. The Rump was restored once more in December 1659, during which time Raleigh was appointed Governor of Jersey.
Governor of Jersey
Strategic Appointment
During the second restoration of the Rump Parliament in December 1659, Carew Raleigh was appointed Governor of Jersey. This strategic position placed him in command of a vital island territory during a period of intense political flux preceding the eventual Restoration of the monarchy.
Transition Post-Restoration
With the definitive Restoration of Charles II in 1660, Raleigh's tenure as Governor of Jersey concluded. He did not seek election to the subsequent Convention Parliament. Although relieved of his governorship, he was offered a knighthood by the new monarch, a distinction he graciously requested be bestowed upon his own son, Walter, demonstrating a focus on his family's future.
Final Years and Legacy
Final Resting Place
Carew Raleigh died at his residence in St Martin's Lane, London, in 1666. His final resting place is significant: he was buried in the same grave as his father at St Margaret's Church, Westminster. This shared tomb symbolizes the enduring connection between father and son, even across generations and differing historical contexts.
An Unclear End
The parish register entry for his burial cryptically states that he was "kild." While this has led to speculation that he may have been murdered, no concrete details regarding the circumstances of his death are known. This ambiguity adds a layer of mystery to the conclusion of his life, leaving his final moments subject to historical conjecture.
Scholarly References
Source Materials
The following scholarly works and records form the basis of this biographical account:
- Brunton, D.; Pennington, D.H. (1954). Members of the Long Parliament. London: George Allen & Unwin.
- Laughton, John Knox; Lee, Sidney (1896). "Ralegh, Carew (1605-1666)". In Lee, Sidney (ed.). Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 47. London: Smith, Elder & Co. p. 205.
- Willis, Browne (1750). Notitia Parliamentaria, Part II: A Series or Lists of the Representatives in the several Parliaments held from the Reformation 1541, to the Restoration 1660 ... London. p. 1.
- Willis, Browne (1750). Notitia Parliamentaria, Part II: A Series or Lists of the Representatives in the several Parliaments held from the Reformation 1541, to the Restoration 1660 ... London. pp. 240—254.
- "Carew Raleigh 1604-1667 - Ancestry". www.ancestry.com.
- "Carew Raleigh (1605-1666) - Find A Grave Memorial". www.findagrave.com.
- Some sources mistakenly record that he was elected for Callington in 1648.
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Academic Disclaimer
Important Notice
This document has been generated by an Artificial Intelligence, synthesizing information from publicly available academic sources. It is intended for higher education students and researchers for informational and educational purposes only. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, the content may not be exhaustive or reflect the most current interpretations.
This is not a substitute for primary source analysis or expert historical consultation. The information provided herein should be used as a starting point for further academic inquiry. Users are encouraged to consult the original scholarly works and engage with primary sources for a comprehensive understanding. The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors, omissions, or interpretations derived from this AI-generated content.