Alexander Radcliffe facts for kids

Sir Alexander Radcliffe (born 1608 – died April 1654) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's parliament, from 1628 to 1629. He was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War, joining the side known as the Royalists.

Who Was Sir Alexander Radcliffe?

Sir Alexander Radcliffe was born in 1608. His father was Sir John Radcliffe from Ordsall, a place in Lancashire, England. Alexander inherited family lands in Tockholes. However, these lands were taken from his family in 1641 during the English Civil War.

Becoming a Knight and Politician

When Alexander was just seventeen years old in 1625, he was given a special honor. He became a Knight of the Order of the Bath. This was a very important title given by the King.

In 1628, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Lancashire. This meant he represented his area in the House of Commons. He served in Parliament until 1629. At that time, King Charles I decided to rule England without Parliament for eleven years. This period is known as the Personal Rule.

Supporting the King in War

Sir Alexander Radcliffe remained loyal to King Charles I when the English Civil War began. In 1642, he helped the King gather soldiers and supplies. Because he supported the King, the Parliament, which was fighting against the King, saw him as an enemy.

Parliament later sent him to the Tower of London. This happened because he helped the Earl of Derby during a fight known as the Siege of Manchester. The Tower of London was often used to hold important prisoners.

Sir Alexander Radcliffe died in April 1654 when he was 46 years old.