# Lord Castlewood (Francis) — The History of Henry Esmond character guide > Lord Castlewood (Francis) in The History of Henry Esmond by William Makepeace Thackeray. **Role:** supporting **Also known as:** the old Lord Castlewood, my Lord Viscount, Viscount Castlewood, the first Viscount Castlewood **First appearance:** 0005-ii-relates-how-francis-fourth-viscount-arrives-at-castlewood ## Snapshot The fourth Viscount Castlewood, a gallant, warm-hearted gentleman whose charm and careless generosity shape the household Henry Esmond grows up in. ## Who they are Francis Castlewood inherits the title and the debt-ridden estate, and rules Castlewood with an easy grace that wins affection but not prudence. His marriage to the beautiful Rachel and his old quarrel with Lord Mohun cast a long shadow over the family's peace. His kindness to the orphaned Henry gives the boy a home, and his flaws give the novel its first taste of how noble blood and noble conduct can part company. ## In the story ### [Book I: The Early Youth of Henry Esmond, Up to the Time of His Leaving Trinity College, in Cambridge](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/book-i-the-early-youth-of-henry-esmond-up-to-the-time-of-his-leaving-trinity-college-in-cambridge) The old Lord Castlewood, a resolute loyalist who served the Stuarts, lost his sons in battle, and endured exile and ruin. ### [II: Relates How Francis, Fourth Viscount, Arrives at Castlewood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/ii-relates-how-francis-fourth-viscount-arrives-at-castlewood) The third Viscount, weakened by wounds and drinking, who initially opposes Thomas but is reconciled after Thomas's conversion. ### [Whither in the Time of Thomas, Third Viscount, I Had Preceded Him as Page to Isabella](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/iii-whither-in-the-time-of-thomas-third-viscount-i-had-preceded-him-as-page-to-isabella) Third Viscount, Harry's godfather; a languid nobleman who gives Harry an orange and laughs at his hymn. ### [IV: I Am Placed Under a Popish Priest and Bred to That Religion—Viscountess Castlewood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/iv-i-am-placed-under-a-popish-priest-and-bred-to-that-religion-viscountess-castlewood) The Viscount, who treats Harry kindly in private but harshly in his wife's presence, and is amused by the mob's taunts. ### [My Superiors Are Engaged in Plots for the Restoration of King James II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/v-my-superiors-are-engaged-in-plots-for-the-restoration-of-king-james-ii) Becomes more active and cheerful, engaging in secret consultations for the King's cause; uses the hidden exit. ### [The Issue of the Plots—The Death of Thomas, Third Viscount of Castlewood; and the Imprisonment of His Viscountess](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/vi-the-issue-of-the-plots-the-death-of-thomas-third-viscount-of-castlewood-and-the-imprisonment-of-his-viscountess) Flees with Father Holt after the conspiracy is discovered, joins King James in Ireland, is wounded at the Boyne, and dies of fever. ### [I Am Left at Castlewood an Orphan, and Find Most Kind Protectors There](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/vii-i-am-left-at-castlewood-an-orphan-and-find-most-kind-protectors-there) A jolly, worldly gentleman who grows weary of his wife's adoration and the quiet life, preferring hunting, drinking, and London escapades. ### [VIII: After Good Fortune Comes Evil](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/viii-after-good-fortune-comes-evil) Defends Henry against Lady Castlewood's accusations, though he is tipsy and jokes about the situation. ### [IX: I Have the Smallpox, and Prepare to Leave Castlewood](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/ix-i-have-the-smallpox-and-prepare-to-leave-castlewood) Returns to Castlewood in high good humor, comments on Harry's appearance. ### [I Come Home for a Holiday to Castlewood, and Find a Skeleton in the House](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xi-i-come-home-for-a-holiday-to-castlewood-and-find-a-skeleton-in-the-house) Often away; gloomy and anxious; indulges children with visits to Sark Castle; infatuated with Mrs. Marwood. ### [My Lord Mohun Comes Among Us for No Good](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xii-my-lord-mohun-comes-among-us-for-no-good) Welcomes Lord Mohun enthusiastically, praises him as the best companion, and argues with Lady Castlewood over her mistrust; shows growing frustration with his wife. ### [My Lord Leaves Us and His Evil Behind Him](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xiii-my-lord-leaves-us-and-his-evil-behind-him) Engages in reckless play with Lord Mohun, causing financial worry for his wife. ### [XIV: We Ride After Him to London](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/xiv-we-ride-after-him-to-london) Hosts Lord Mohun with studied courtesy, rides to London, settles a gambling debt, and is mortally wounded in a duel over his wife's honor. ### [Book II: Contains Mr. Esmond’s Military Life, and Other Matters Appertaining to the Esmond Family](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/book-ii-contains-mr-esmond-s-military-life-and-other-matters-appertaining-to-the-esmond-family) Deceased; his legacy influences the family affairs. ### [I: I Am in Prison, and Visited, but Not Consoled There](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/i-i-am-in-prison-and-visited-but-not-consoled-there) Recently killed in the duel; his death is the central event of the chapter, and his dying confession reveals the secret of Esmond's birth. ### [III: I Take the Queen's Pay in Quin's Regiment](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/iii-i-take-the-queen-s-pay-in-quin-s-regiment) Deceased patron; on his deathbed he revealed the secret of Henry's birth to him; Henry honors his memory by not claiming the title. ### [IV: Recapitulations](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/iv-recapitulations) The dying lord confesses to Henry about Father Holt's revelation and his own remorse; he had intended to give up the estate but lacked the courage. ### [VII: I Visit Castlewood Once More](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/chapters/vii-i-visit-castlewood-once-more) Referenced in the patent as the successor to the titles, and as the one to whom Holt showed the paper. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters/lord_castlewood_francis - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_history_of_henry_esmond_se/characters