Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick
Charles William Ferdinand (German: Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand; 9 October 1735 – 10 November 1806) was the prince of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel and duke of Brunswick-Lüneburg and a military leader. His titles are usually shortened to Duke of Brunswick in English-language sources.
| Charles William Ferdinand | |
|---|---|
An 18th century portrait by Johann Georg Ziesenis | |
| Prince of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel | |
| Reign | 26 March 1780 – 10 November 1806 |
| Predecessor | Charles I |
| Successor | Frederick William |
| Born | 9 October 1735 Wolfenbüttel, Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, Holy Roman Empire |
| Died | 10 November 1806 (aged 71) Ottensen, Hamburg |
| Burial | 24 November 1806 |
| Spouse |
Princess Augusta of Great Britain
(m. 1764) |
| Issue Details |
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| House | Brunswick-Bevern |
| Father | Charles I, Duke of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel |
| Mother | Princess Philippine Charlotte of Prussia |
| Signature | |
He succeeded his father as sovereign prince of the Principality of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel, one of the princely states of the Holy Roman Empire. The duke was a cultured and benevolent despot in the model of his uncle, Frederick the Great, and was married to Princess Augusta, the eldest sister of George III of Great Britain. He was also a recognized master of 18th century warfare, serving as a Field Marshal in the Prussian Army. During the Napoleonic Wars, he was mortally wounded by a musket ball at the Battle of Jena–Auerstedt in 1806.