Cæcilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore
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Cæcilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore (August 8, 1605 – November 30, 1675), inherited the grant by Charles I of England of the new colony of Maryland on the death of his father, the 1st Baron Baltimore in 1632. Cæcilius, called Cecil, thus became Maryland's first Proprietary Governor (1632–1675) though he never visited the colony. He governed through deputies, the last being his only son Charles.
Lord Baltimore, a Roman Catholic, struggled to maintain possession of Maryland during the English Civil War by trying to convince Parliament of his loyalty by appointing a Protestant, William Stone, as his governor. Baltimore lost control of the colony for a brief period, however, due to Puritan pressure during the rule of Oliver Cromwell. He regained the colony in 1657.
There are several locations in the state named after the Barons Baltimore, including Baltimore, Calvert County, Cecil County, Charles County, Frederick County, Leonardtown, St. Leonard and Calvert Cliffs.
Lord Baltimore's family also had title to Ferryland and the Province of Avalon in Newfoundland and he administered the colony between 1629 and 1632 when he left for Maryland. In 1637, however, Sir David Kirke acquired a charter giving him title to the entire island of Newfoundland superseding the charter granted to his father, the 1st Baron. Baltimore fought against the new charter and, in 1661, gained official recognition of the old Charter of Avalon but never attempted to retake the colony.
Lord Baltimore was married to Anne Arundell, daughter of the 1st Baron Arundell of Wardour, in 1627 or 1628. Her name survives in that of Anne Arundel County, Maryland.
| Preceded by: — | Proprietor of Maryland 1632-1675 | Succeeded by: Charles Calvert, 3rd Baron Baltimore |
| Preceded by: George Calvert | Baron Baltimore | Succeeded by: Charles Calvert |
