Charles Compton, 1st Marquess of Northampton

Who was Charles Compton, 1st Marquess of Northampton?

Charles Compton, 1st Marquess of Northampton, known as Lord Compton from 1763 to 1796 and as the 9th Earl of Northampton from 1796 to 1812, was a British peer and politician.

Northampton was the son of Spencer Compton, 8th Earl of Northampton, and his wife Jane. He was elected to the House of Commons for Northampton in 1784, a seat he held until 1796 when he succeeded his father in the earldom and entered the House of Lords. His cousin Spencer Perceval, later Prime Minister, replaced him as Member of Parliament for Northampton. Lord Northampton also served as Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire. In 1812 he was created Baron Wilmington, of Wilmington in the County of Sussex, Earl Compton, of Compton in the County of Warwick, and Marquess of Northampton.

Lord Northampton married Maria, daughter of Joshua Smith, in 1787. He died in May 1828, aged 68, and was succeeded in his titles by his son Spencer. Lady Northampton died in 1843.