The 1st Earl of Carlisle, Charles Howard (1629-1685) was the great grandson of Lord William Howard (1563-1640), the youngest son of Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, whose skill at marrying heiresses eventually led to his execution. ‘Belted Will’ took possession of Henderskelfe in Yorkshire, the site of Castle Howard today, as part of the inheritance of his wife, Elizabeth Dacre.
Created Earl of Carlisle in 1661 it was Charles' grandson, Charles Howard the 3rd Earl of Carlisle (1679-1738), who is famed as the creator of Castle Howard.
Eight generations of the Howard family have since occupied Castle Howard: each bringing different characteristics to the stewarding of this grand house and estate through centuries of challenges and opportunities. Their lives have been shaped by public service, political activity, artistic endeavour, and strategic marriages, typical of their own particular times.
Download the family tree below or click on the images below for more information on each of the members of the Howard family.
The son of Thomas, 4th Duke of Norfolk. The Howards of Castle Howard are descended from Lord William.
Great Grandson of Lord William Howard, a skilled opportunist, adept politician and successful soldier.
Of his six children, only Charles survived.
Famed as the creator of Castle Howard.
Collected most of the antique sculptures at Castle Howard.
Married to the 4th Earl, Isabella kept a firm grip on household expenditure and compiled a book of culinary recipes and medical remedies.
Completed the building of the house and filled it with his collection of paintings.
Married Georgiana Cavendish, daughter of the 5th Duchess of Devonshire.
Married to the 6th Earl and daughter of Georgiana, 5th Duchess of Devonshire.
Never married and was succeeded by his brother, William. The title passed to his nephew on William's death.
The last Earl of Carlisle to live at Castle Howard, a talented painter his wife Rosalind managed the estate.
Married to the 9th Earl, Rosalind managed the estate and was a campaigner in the Temperance Movement and political activist fighting for women's suffrage.
Following his death Castle Howard was administered by a family trust, none of his children being of age.
Revitalised & restored the house and opened it to the public in 1952.
Married to George Howard, together they began the ongoing programme of restoration and opened the house to the public for the first time.
Director of the private company which administrates Castle Howard today.