Charles Blount, 8th Baron Mountjoy

Charles Blount, 1st Earl of Devonshire and 8th Baron Mountjoy (* 1563, † April 3, 1606 in London ) was an English statesman and Viceroy of Ireland 1600-1606.

Life

He was the second son of James Blount, 6th Baron Mountjoy. When the childless death of his elder brother William Blount, 7th Baron Mountjoy in 1594, he inherited the title of baron.

Blount was the first rival of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex to win the favor of Queen Elizabeth I Tudor, but later became his friend and brother in law. He went with Essex (1597 ) to the unfortunate expedition to the Azores in 1600 and followed him as governor of Ireland. Blount had until 1602, the support of Spain rebellion under Hugh O'Neill in Ireland completely prostrated ( Battle of the Moyry pass). He retained his office under King James I, who in 1603 elevated him to the Earl of Devonshire.

Charles Blount was with Lady Penelope (1562-1607), daughter of Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex, and Lettice Knollys married. His wife was a maternal cousin ( second degree ) of Queen Elizabeth I Tudor.

He had several illegitimate children, but left no legitimate heirs, so his hereditary title of nobility extinguished with his death in 1606.