Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore

English peer (1605–1675)

Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore (August 8, 1605 – November 30, 1675), was a member of the English nobility who started the colony of Maryland in the British colonies. He was the first Proprietary Governor of the Province of Maryland. Before that, he was the ninth Proprietary Governor of the Colony of Newfoundland (in what is today Canada). His father was George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore. George Calvert was chosen to be the proprietary governor of both Maryland and Newfoundland, but he died before he could take the position.

Cecilius Calvert,
2nd Baron Baltimore
Painting of the Lord Baltimore (1910) by Florence MacKubin, painted after his death.
Governor of Newfoundland
In office
1629–1632
MonarchCharles I
Proprietor of the Maryland colony
In office
1632–1675
Personal details
Born(1605-08-08)August 8, 1605
Kent, England[1]
DiedNovember 30, 1675(1675-11-30) (aged 70)
Middlesex, England
Spouse(s)Anne Arundel
RelationsBenedict Calvert, 4th Baron Baltimore (grandson)
ChildrenCharles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore
Alma materTrinity College
Occupationlaywer
politician

He was called "Cecil Calvert." Cecil was a Roman Catholic and the colony of Maryland was officially Catholic. He managed Maryland from his home in England. Maryland was known for its religious toleration. At the time, there was a lot of religious persecution in England. Many Catholics fled (ran away to) Maryland because their religion was accepted there. Calvert was governor of Maryland for forty-two years.[2] He died in England on November 30, 1675, aged 70 years. The city of Baltimore is named for him.

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