File:The Western Brothers (3053493600).jpg

Charles Callis Western (Baron Western of Rivenhall) (right) and his brother Shirley Western (left) as painted by John Singleton Copley in 1783. The painting was probably done at Rivenhall in Essex County.

Charles Western was born on August 8, 1767 at Rivenhall, Essex, England. He attended Eton and Queen's Cambridge. Charles Western sat in the House of Commons for 42 years. The Baron Rivenhall was a strong proponent of the Corn Laws; he argued that both price and supply would be helped by taxing corn imports, an idea that runs counter to current economic thought. He was the first and last Baron Western of Rivenhall.

Rivenhall is still standing. Charles attempted to improve Rivenhall as soon as he reached his majority, but eventually he tired of the old house. He moved his seat to Felix Hall Kelvedon. Unfortunately, in 1940 Felix Hall suffered a fire and has not been maintained.

Charles Western died on November 4, 1844 at Felix Hall Kelvedon, Essex, England. He was unmarried.

Shirly Western was born on July 29, 1768 at Rivenhall, Essex, England. He died April 30, 1824 at Glebe House Riven Hall, Essex, England. He became a minister and was rector of Hemingstone, Suffolk from 1790 until his death. Like his brother, he was unmarried.

There was a third Western brother, Richard, who died as an infant in 1770.

Their father was killed in a runaway horse accident on July 19, 1771 (before the painting). The family had stopped to water the carriage horses. The boys' mother (Francis Shirley Bollan) pulled out a handkerchief, which startled one of the horses. The horse bolted. Charles (Senior) placed himself in front of the horse and carriage, which still contained Charles and his mother. He was killed instantely as one of the wheels rolled over his head. Charles was thrown out of the window of the carriage by his mother, who feared that he would be killed otherwise. Both mother and son were not injured.

Francis Bollan never remarried.

Charles and Shirley were quite small as boys and men. Indeed, their appearance was that of a modern-day jockey.

Charles and Shirley were buried next to each other in the Western Vault of Rivenhall Church. Charles was the last person to be buried in this vault.