Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk

Charles Howard, 11th Duke of Norfolk (15 March 1746 – 16 December 1815), styled Earl of Surrey from 1777 to 1786, was a British nobleman, peer, and politician.

He also spent a considerable amount of his money rebuilding and refurbishing Arundel Castle after inheriting his title and lands.

Norfolk renounced his Catholicism to start his political life, but remained a staunch supporter of Catholic Emancipation, as well as opposing the war with the American colonies.

Eventually, he was dismissed from the lord lieutenancy of the West Riding in 1798 for toasting “Our sovereign’s health—the majesty of the people” in terms displeasing to George III.

In his Confessions of an English Opium-Eater, Thomas De Quincey refers to him as saying, "Next Monday, wind and weather permitting, I purpose to be drunk."

A portrait of Howard in later life
by James Lonsdale from the collection of the Gloucester City Museum & Art Gallery