Charles Manners, 4th Duke of Rutland, KG, PC (15 March 175424 October 1787) was a British politician and nobleman, the eldest legitimate son of John Manners, Marquess of Granby. He was styled Lord Roos from 1760 until 1770, and Marquess of Granby from 1770 until 1779. Early life and family Manners was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, graduating the latter with a nobleman's MA in 1774. That year, he was elected as one of two members of parliament for Cambridge University. He continued to maintain the family's substantial electoral interests, and to collect objets d'art to decorate Belvoir Castle. He pledged to redeem his father's substantial debts, but was hampered by his passion for gambling. On 26 December 1775, he married Lady Mary Isabella Somerset (died 1831), daughter of Charles Somerset, 4th Duke of Beaufort and a celebrated beauty, renowned for her elegance and good taste. She was one of the most prominent society hostesses, and Sir Joshua Reynolds painted her portrait four times. Charles and Mary had six children: Lady Elizabeth Isabella Manners (died 5 October 1853), married on 21 August 1798 Richard Norman, who was a nephew of Admiral John Montagu and the father-in-law of the daughter (Lady Adeliza Elizabeth Gertrude Manners, died 1877) of John Henry Manners, 5th Duke of Rutland (1778–1857) Lady Katherine Mary Manners (died 1 May 1829), married on 16 June 1800 Cecil Weld-Forester, 1st Baron Forester General Lord Charles Henry Somerset Manners (24 October 178025 May 1855), died unmarried Major-General Lord Robert William Manners (14 December 178115 November 1835) Lord William Robert Albanac Manners (1783–1793) Later in life, he was said to have been the lover of Elizabeth Billington. Parliament Granby entered parliament in opposition to the North Ministry and as an ally to the Rockingham Whigs. He acted only as an observer until reaching his majority, and made his maiden speech on 5 April 1775, advocating free trade with the southern American Colonies. The speech brought him thanks from his father's friend Chatham, whom he praised, and initiated a friendship with William Pitt the Younger. It much disappointed the Court, and particularly Lord Mansfield, who had thought to govern the young Granby. During the American Revolution, he followed Chatham in urging reconciliation with America, and was one of those who questioned the conduct of Admiral Keppel in March 1779. He did not follow this up, and does not seem to