George Calvert
(Lord Baltimore)
1699–1751
 |
| GOVERNOR CALVERT BARTERING FOR LAND. |
George Calvert, first Lord Baltimore, was born in England about 1580, and was
the descendant of a noble Flemish family of the same name. He studied at Oxford University. He was appointed
by James I one of the principal secretaries of state, which office he resigned in 1624, when he avowed his
conversion to the Roman Catholic faith. James, however, retained him in the Privy Council and made him
Baron of Baltimore in Longford County, Ireland. Obtaining a grant from that sovereign
of a large tract of land in Newfoundland, he founded there at great expense, and for several years sustained,
a colony named Avalon. Owing to the rigorous climate and difficulties with the French, his efforts were not
crowned with success. Desirous, however, of securing a place where his fellow Catholics could enjoy liberty
of worship, he visited Virginia in 1628 and explored the adjacent territory. Returning to England, he obtained
from Charles I a grant of land embracing the present State of Maryland. His death occurring in 1632, before
the charter was issued, that instrument was made out directly to his son Cecilius. It guaranteed
civil and religious liberty to the colonists and their exemption from English taxation.
Adapted from The Dictionary of Biography by Charles Morris
Key events during the life of Lord Baltimore:
| Year |
Event |
| 1580 |
Birth of Lord Baltimore. |
| 1624 |
Converted to Catholicism and resigned from the office of Secretary of State. |
| |
Made Baron of Baltimore by King James I. |
| 1628 |
Visited Virginia. |
| |
Founded Maryland Colony. |
| 1632 |
Death of Lord Baltimore. |
Other Resources
| Contemporary |
Short Biography |
| James I |
First Stuart king of England. Intelligent and competent, but unable to work effectively with Parliament. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
