The Howe Dynasty: The Untold Story of a Military Family and the Women Behind Britain's Wars for America

by Julie Flavell

In December 1774, Benjamin Franklin met Caroline Howe, the sister of British General Sir William Howe and Richard Admiral Lord Howe, in a London drawing room for “half a dozen Games of Chess.” But as historian Julie Flavell reveals, these meetings were about much more than board games: they were cover for a last-ditch attempt to forestall the outbreak of the American War of Independence.


Aware that the distinguished Howe family, both the men and the women, have been known solely for the military exploits of the brothers, Flavell investigated the letters of Caroline Howe, which have been blatantly overlooked since the nineteenth century. Using revelatory documents and this correspondence, The Howe Dynasty provides a groundbreaking reinterpretation of one of England’s most famous military families across four wars.


Contemporaries considered the Howes impenetrable and intensely private—or, as Horace Walpole called them, “brave and silent.” Flavell traces their roots to modest beginnings at Langar Hall in rural Nottinghamshire and highlights the Georgian phenomenon of the politically involved aristocratic woman. In fact, the early careers of the brothers—George, Richard, and William—can be credited not to the maneuverings of their father, Scrope Lord Howe, but to those of their aunt, the savvy Mary Herbert Countess Pembroke. When eldest sister Caroline came of age during the reign of King George III, she too used her intimacy with the royal inner circle to promote her brothers, moving smoothly between a straitlaced court and an increasingly scandalous London high life.


With genuine suspense, Flavell skillfully recounts the most notable episodes of the brothers’ military campaigns: how Richard, commanding the HMS Dunkirk in 1755, fired the first shot signaling the beginning of the Seven Years’ War at sea; how George won the devotion of the American fighters he commanded at Fort Ticonderoga just three years later; and how youngest brother General William Howe, his sympathies torn, nonetheless commanded his troops to a bitter Pyrrhic victory in the Battle of Bunker Hill, only to be vilified for his failure as British commander-in-chief to subdue Washington’s Continental Army.


Britain’s desperate battles to guard its most vaunted colonial possession are here told in tandem with London parlor-room intrigues, where Caroline bravely fought to protect the Howe reputation in a gossipy aristocratic milieu. A riveting narrative and long overdue reassessment of the entire family, The Howe Dynasty forces us to reimagine the Revolutionary War in ways that would have been previously inconceivable.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, American Revolution, American History, British Literature, Womens

480 pages, Hardcover

Published July 20, 2021

Reviews

[Nate Reynolds · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book on the British home front before and during the Revolutionary War was full of interesting history and often watered down by what I found to be uninteresting history. I was personally less intrigued by the familial politics of British aristocracy as I was in events of the related wars - and clearly less interested than the author, who went into painstaking detail about myriad marriages, affairs and disputes surrounding the Howe family. On the positive side, I gained a deeper and more human understanding of the oft-romanticized Revolutionary War and the oft-neglected Seven Years War, both of which are undoubtedly milestone events of Western history. The more I read about history, the more I am intrigued by just how much - if not all - of the details of modern geopolitics can be traced back to individual actors serving their own interests, relationships and egos.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

For someone who's history degree focuses on the American Revolution and who is also obsessed with the British aristocracy, I'm embarrassed to say I had no idea who the Howes were before beginning this book. I absolutely loved it - particularly the fact that the focus is on the women!

[Anne Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone interested in the Howe family, Georgian England, or the American War for Independence needs to read this book. By exploring the support of the Howe women, Julie Flavell builds a larger and more nuanced picture of the family, and how political support worked at the highest level. It was often not only who the men knew, but who their wives, sisters, aunts, and mothers knew as well. While "drawing room politics" might be looked down on by some, it was as much a way to get things done as any other.

While Flavell foreshadows far more than is necessary (the typical versions of "what he did not know then" that I personally cannot stand in either fiction or nonfiction, especially when used frequently), and has a tendency towards repetition that an editor should have caught more than they did, overall this is a must read book for history lovers. The late 1700s, the members of the Howe family, their friends and enemies, spring to life through Flavell's research and descriptions.

[Marshall Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really a military book, this is a story about an English aristocratic family in the 18th century. While the Howe brothers and their military exploits are mentioned in the book, it is really about their older sister Caroline, the family matriarch. The author reveals the social and political complexities of the era through the thousands of letters written by Caroline. The book also explodes the myth that William Howe, British military commander during the first part of the American Revolution, had an affair with Elizabeth Loring, an American loyalist. She has been accused of distracting William Howe from aggressively fighting Washington and his army.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took a little while to get through, but it's worth it. What a nice, new take on the Howe family, as it focuses not on the men, but on the women. I enjoyed this a lot, and learned a difference perspective on the American Revolution.

[Edith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is always extremely frustrating when one stumbles on a book which is full of good information by an author who has done tremendous research, but who is unable to convey it clearly, objectively, without repetition, and in an accessible style. This is the case with The Howe Dynasty. I have made my way through about 20% of it, but the frequent repetition of both ideas and phrases--it will be a while before I can stand to hear the word "dynasty" again--and the author's hectoring tone makes it just too irritating to go on. Ms. Flavell hero-worships her subjects; readers ought to have at least some opportunity to judge these very interesting and influential people for themselves.

Perhaps I will pick this up and try again in the future. Meanwhile, 5 stars for research and a -2 stars for presentation.

January 6, 2026. I did pick it up again, and found it no more accessible.

[Joe Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good insight into the society and politics of Georgian Brittain. In the US we tend to view the revolution simply -- the evil British government was oppressing the colonies, but it was not so simple. Flavell presents history in a very engaging and personal manner.

I also see many parallels to the current political atmosphere in US (and possibly UK as well). Extreme division, pamphleteering (Facebook, etc), money powering politics...

[E_F_S · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a passionate history buff, I was enthralled by Julia Flavell's "The Howe Dynasty: The Untold Story of a Military Family and the Women Behind Britain's Wars for America." This meticulously researched and brilliantly written book delves into the lives of the influential Howe family, shedding light on their crucial role in shaping Britain's military campaigns during the Revolutionary War.

Flavell's work goes beyond the typical narrative of military history by focusing on the remarkable women (sisters. mothers, wives, etc.) who stood alongside the Howe men, guiding and influencing their actions. The author expertly brings to life the stories of the formidable Howe women, especially Caroline, showcasing their intelligence, resilience, and unwavering support for their family's position in society.

One of the book's standout features is Flavell's meticulous attention to detail. She skillfully reconstructs the political and social landscape of the time, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Howe family's influence and the context in which they operated. Flavell leaves no stone unturned, ensuring a rich and immersive reading experience. She especially touches on the clandestine meetings between the Howe brothers at their sister's house, over chess games. Which to me was unknown and truly fascinating.

The strength of "The Howe Dynasty" lies in its ability to humanize historical figures and breathe life into the past. Flavell delves deep into the thoughts, emotions, and motivations of the Howe family members, allowing readers to connect with them on a personal level. Through vivid descriptions and insightful analysis, she captures the complexities of their characters, revealing their triumphs, failures, and the sacrifices they made for their country.

Flavell's prose is elegant and engaging, effortlessly conveying both the grandeur and the intimacy of the era. The book is impeccably structured, weaving together personal anecdotes, political intrigue, and military campaigns to create a compelling narrative that keeps the reader captivated from start to finish. The inclusion of family letters, journals, and historical records adds authenticity and further enhances the book's appeal.

"The Howe Dynasty" not only provides a fresh perspective on the Revolutionary War but also challenges conventional notions of women's roles in history. It highlights the often-overlooked contributions of these extraordinary women, showcasing their agency and influence in a male-dominated society. Flavell's meticulous research and passionate storytelling make this book an invaluable addition to any history enthusiast's library.

In conclusion, Julia Flavell's "The Howe Dynasty: The Untold Story of a Military Family and the Women Behind Britain's Wars for America" is a masterpiece of historical writing. With its engaging narrative, meticulous research, and exploration of untold stories, it is a book that both educates and captivates. It is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the Revolutionary War, military history, or the often-hidden role of women in shaping the course of history.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, providing a study of the Britain’s 18th century Howe family as part of a larger understanding of domestic and international politics in Georgian England. The author, historian Julie Flavell, does a great job combining social, political, and military history into a single flowing analysis. This is much more than a mere biography of the two brothers, Admiral Richard Howe and General William Howe, who served as Britain’s first major military and naval commanders in the American Revolution. Instead, it encompasses the whole Howe family, putting equal if not greater emphasis on their mother, Charlotte Howe, and her daughters, especially Caroline Howe, who were constantly at the forefront of domestic politics and diligently protected the family’s “branding.” It even covers the close friends of the family, their “allies” in the convoluted politics of that era. Anyone who has spent time near the military will appreciate that the service members are just one half of a larger “family effort.” This book exemplifies this idea and shows that in the oligarchy of Georgian England, successful commanders abroad depended on active family members at home. For those interested in the military history of the Revolution, Flavell has lengthy and in-depth analysis of British strategy at the start of the revolution. This analysis is supported by the contents of personal letters between the extended Howe family and friends along with a number of key journals. Much of which has not been used previously for military history due to the gender of the originators. These documents offer new insights, very different from the official reports or staid formal letters between officials. A great book for understanding how private family dynamics affect the more visible side of history. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the domestic British politics influencing the outcome of the American Revolution.

[Henry Jameson]

Julia Flavell’s The Howe Dynasty is a different kind of history. The eponymous Howes were a family of English aristocrats, three of whom fought in America either during the Revolutionary War or in the run up to it. The eldest son, George, perished at Fort Ticonderoga in the Seven Years War (French and Indian war to us colonials). The middle son, Richard, was an admiral of the fleet and commanded British naval operations during the Revolutionary War. A third son, William, commanded British troops during the first several years of that war.
Flavell’s book, however, focuses not on these men, but rather on their older sister, Caroline. A highly intelligent and vivacious woman, she seemingly knew all the important people in London and actively promoted the interests of the Howe family through those contacts. Her copious correspondence gave Flavell a treasure trove of information from which to fashion her narrative.
Flavell’s history is a social one, focusing on English society and politics during the realm of George III. While the book necessarily deals with military actions in America, it is most certainly not a military history like, for example, Rick Atkinson’s The British Are Coming. What distinguishes The Howe Dynasty is its focus on the social and political life among the English aristocracy at the time - in essence, the backstory of the English side of the war as related by a very shrewd and intelligent woman of her time.
My interests tend to be more focused on the military side of history. Because of that, I was all the more surprised at how interesting I found this book. Odd things jumped out at me. Among the quirkiest was that Julia Howe married a man named John Howe, who was unrelated. She therefore kept the Howe name all her days. To her, I am sure, that was a blessing.

[Andrew Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Flavell's first major book. She covers the infamous Howe family from its beginnings in Tudor England to its height in the 18th century. Most of the emphasis centers around the four siblings that had a hold on English policy, George, Caroline, Richard, and William. George would be an adventurous army officer in the French and Indian War who would be noted by the colony of Massachusetts for his bravery. He died in an assault during that war. Caroline was the sister who held clandestine meetings with Benjamin Franklin in London prior to the Revolution trying to prevent it. Richard became the leading admiral of the British Navy while William became the leader of the British Army for a while during the Revolution. Flavell does an excellent job of researching the family and bringing them to the forefront of British political and military history. One criticism might be that she is too fond of her subjects to allow any hint of impropriety or poor judgment to be relayed in her work. It is interesting to see these figures from an English point of view rather than the American narrative that we are so accustomed to. Pick up this book if you want a birds eye view of the England at that time.

[Kedavra Mandylion · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great.
Very entertaining and quite detailed about every aspect of the Howe family, with a special focus on Caroline. It offers a fresh perspective on the American War for Independence as it was lived by the women left at home -letters that were crucial and have been overlooked by historians until very recently. I obviously loved to have a full chapter on Elizabeth Loring, though I am too romantic to agree with the author about the theory that there was nothing at all between her and William.

I liked the light shed on some of William Howe's controversial tactical choices during the war. The matter has a degree of complexity that is often simplified and dramatized: this book explores every choice in depth. I am quite satisfied with this read!

[Marsha Valance · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 18th-century Britain, many women from upper- and middle-class families became politically active, networking from their drawing rooms and social gatherings thru conversations & correspondence. In this reappraisal of the careers of 3 British commanders in the French and Indian & Revolutionary Wars, we learn how female relatives tried to burnish their men's reputations, turning a group biography into a swiftly paced history of Britain's 18th century colonial wars. Flavell balances accounts of battles in America with tales of how well-connected Howe women in England tried to advance the brothers' careers in the press and elsewhere.

[R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an outstanding read that gave me a different perspective on the American War for Independence.
Flavell follows the Howe family through several decades of British military/naval service, mostly through the correspondence of Caroline Howe. In doing so, it gave me a British perspective of the war in America and a better appreciation for the two brothers who commanded Britain's army and navy in the war.
I did find it challenging to keep track of various key players, especially when their titles changed - for my American eyes it would have been easier if Flavell had simply used given names.

[June · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing was okay. I was not fond of being told frequently that male historians have overlooked the papers of women and what women have contributed. I know that and once was enough times to be told. I also found the constant reference to titles confusing. I know that in that era, titles were important and very much a part of society. But when a title is conferred and the name of the person almost never mentioned, I lose track of who's who. I had high hopes for the book as part of my career was telling visitors to my town about the first day of the American Revolution. I found it did not help me understand the Howe's at all. I did want the English side to get a more balanced view of them.

[Lora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Howe Dynasty tells the story of relatives of King George III. Their grandmother was the illegitimate sister of King George I. The story spans from the arrival of King George I's sister in England until the participation of her grandchildren in The American Revolution. Enjoyed reading the book and plan to read more of this author's books.

I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher and/or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rather found this one fun to read, but I enjoy period and historical type things lately. Seeing how the Howe's were involved in the wars for America and how they tried to stall the one that would gain America's independence is rather interesting. I love seeing how things once over looked was nice to see brought to light, in this case the Women's letters and brains.

[KaTie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets 5 ⭐️from me, simply for the fact that I learned so much about the Revolutionary war. It opened my eyes to the other sides viewpoint and that in itself changes my view on our history. How is it that we arnt taught this in school? Anyways, I digress, if you want to be challenged in your view of early American history, read this book ☺️.

[Ian Racey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was excellent. Follows four Howe siblings—the three famous fighting brothers and their older sister, Caroline—through their childhoods and the Seven Years War, and then through the American War of Independence in parallel as the brothers fight in America while Caroline protects their name in the gossip and political intrigue of London.

[ANN DIPIETRO · Rating 5 out of 5]

A surprising look into what was going on in London while war for independence was going on in US plus a fascinating description of the Howe family especially the mother and sister of the Howe general brothers.

[Viktoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice and interesting. Because of the letters it was able to give insight into the Howe woman without either making it all up or only reporting facts that made it into the history books. The strong focus on the topic prevented this from becoming a sprawling and mind numbing history.

[Laura Willyard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed. Finally women's side of History is being told, sad that women's historical documents/mss have not been studied, omitted, or disregarded for years. What information remains untold/discovered because of this!

[Rudy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

To me, it falters a little when we get to the actual American Revolution, but that's because I'm here for the "behind the scenes" bits, as it were. The marriages, rumors, and clandestine meetings, all of that. But there's something in this book for everyone.

[Larry Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and informative, a lot here that is not normally covered in Revolutionary War histories.

[Kathryn Lilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very good, I learned a lot.

[Loren Shultz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read of culture and revolution from the other side of "the pond".

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent view of the American Rebellion from the point of view of the Howe ladies at home and a bit at Court. Well researched and providing a solid level of detail.

[Mary McMasters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had always wanted to see the Revolutionary War through the eyes of the British and this book provided that perspective.

[gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

caroline and richard howe pls marry me

[Mary Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why so long a read? This was a book I started while waiting for an appointment. It became that book that I read while waiting for something. The history was good. The information about the family was good. It just felt long.