Ireland, court and earldom
Charles Blount succeeded as 8th Baron Mountjoy in 1594 and was created Earl of Devonshire in 1603. He was a Knight of the Garter and held offices including Lord Deputy of Ireland, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and Master of the Ordnance.
His military career included service in the Netherlands, Brittany, the Azores and Ireland. His Irish command is associated with the Siege and Battle of Kinsale and the Treaty of Mellifont in 1603.
His long relationship with Penelope Rich produced children including Mountjoy Blount, later 1st Earl of Newport. After marrying Penelope in 1605, he was banished from James I’s court.