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 who lived at Naworth Castle in Cumbria.
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 along with his architects Vanbrugh and Hawksmoor.
Collected the antique sculptures at Castle Howard on his Grand Tour to Italy, and commissioned Sir Thomas Robinson to build the west wing.
Married to the 4th Earl, Isabella managed the household and complied a book of culinary recipes and medicinal 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 of Chatsworth. She had twelve children.
Distinguished Victorian politician who travelled widely including to North America. Was succeeded by his brother, William.
The last Earl of Carlisle to live at Castle Howard, a talented painter, and a trustee of the National Gallery.
Married to the 9th Earl, Rosalind was known as the Radical Countess, Rosalind managed the estate and was a campaigner for women's suffrage and in the temperance movement.
Younger son of the 9th Earl and Countess, who lived at Castle Howard in the 1920s. He was grandfather of the present generation.
Unexpectedly inherited after the deaths of his brothers during the Second World War. Revitalised and restored the house.
Married to George Howard, together the couple opened the house to the public for the first time in 1952.
Son of George Howard, he and his wife Victoria run Castle Howard today.
Wife of Nicholas Howard, Victoria and Nicholas run Castle Howard today.