Baron Charlton

Baron Charlton was a title in the Peerage of England, created in 1313 for John Charlton. The Charlton family were a prominent Marcher family, holding extensive lands in Shropshire and Powys.

The first Baron Charlton, John Charlton (c. 1268 – 1353), was an English nobleman, administrator, and military commander. He acquired Powys through his marriage to Hawise Gadarn, daughter of Owain ap Gruffydd ap Gwenwynwyn, the last hereditary Prince of Powys. This marriage made him Lord of Powys, significantly increasing his power and influence in the Welsh Marches.

The title became extinct upon the death of the second Baron Charlton, John Charlton (c. 1300 – 1360). He left no legitimate male heir, and the Lordship of Powys passed to his daughters, Joyce and Joan. Joyce married Sir John Grey, and Joan married Sir John de Cherleton.

The family seat was Powis Castle (originally known as Red Castle), which played a significant role in the defense of the Welsh Marches. The Charlton family's influence in the region was considerable, and they were active participants in the political and military affairs of the time.

The surname Charlton is associated with several other noble families, though not all are directly related to the Barons Charlton of Powys. The variations in spelling (e.g., Cherleton) further complicate tracing family lineages accurately.