“L” is for Ludwell, Phillip (1638-1723)

“L” is for Ludwell, Phillip (1638-1723). Governor. Born in England, Ludwell travelled to Virginia where he became a member of the Grand Council and Speaker of the House of Burgesses. In 1689 he was appointed governor of North Carolina. In 1691 the Lords Proprietors appointed him governor of all Carolina and sent him to Charleston to reestablish order. This he failed to do, as the Goose Creek Men (anti-proprietary) faction and the proprietors’ supporters openly quarreled with each other and the governor. The pirate trade continued to flourish during Ludwell's tenure, but he did attempt to curb the illegal Indian slave trade. Having failed to build a base of support within the colony with and with faltering support in both Charleston and London, in mid-May 1693 Philip Ludwell departed Charleston a little more than a year after his arrival.