Cęcilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore
From Biocrawler, the free encyclopedia.
Cęcilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore (August 8, 1605 – November 30, 1675), inherited on the death of his father George in 1632 the grant by Charles I of England of the new colony of Maryland. Cęcilius, called Cecil, thus became Maryland's first Proprietary Governor (1632–1675) though he never visited the colony. He governed through deputies, the last being his only son Charles. He is known in American history as Lord Baltimore.
Calvert, a Roman Catholic, struggled to maintain possession of Maryland during the English Civil War by trying to convince Parliament of his loyalty by appointing a Protestant, William Stone, as his governor. Calvert lost control of the colony for a brief period, however, due to Puritan pressure during the rule of Oliver Cromwell. He regained the colony in 1657.
There are several locations in the United States named after the Barons Baltimore, including Baltimore, Maryland, Calvert County, Maryland, Leonardtown, Maryland, St. Leonard, Maryland and Calvert Cliffs, Maryland.
Calvert's family also had title to Ferryland and the Province of Avalon in Newfoundland and Cecil administered the colony between 1629 and 1632 when he left for Maryland. In 1637, however, Sir David Kirke acquired a charter giving him title to the entire island of Newfoundland superseding the charter granted to his father, Sir George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore. Calvert fought against the new charter and, in 1660, gained official recognition of the old Charter of Avalon but never attempted to retake the colony.
Calvert was married to Anne Arundell, the daughter of Thomas Arundell, 1st Baron Arundell of Wardour, in 1627 or 1628. Her name survives in that of Anne Arundel County.
| Preceded by: George Calvert | Baron Baltimore | Followed by: Charles Calvert |
