Alexander Rigby facts for kids

Alexander Rigby (born 1594 – died 18 August 1650) was an important English lawyer and politician. He was a member of the English Parliament from 1640 until he passed away in 1650. During the English Civil War, he was also a colonel in the Parliamentary army, fighting for Parliament against the King.

Life of Alexander Rigby

Early Life and Becoming a Lawyer

Alexander Rigby was born in 1594. He was baptised on July 9, 1594, in a village called Flixton in Lancashire. His family, the Rigbys, were Puritans, a group of strict Protestants. Alexander went on to study law at Gray's Inn in London, starting in 1610. He became a lawyer, which meant he understood the laws of the country very well.

Political Career and the English Civil War

In April 1640, Alexander Rigby was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Wigan. This was for a short time, in what was called the Short Parliament. Later that year, in November 1640, he was chosen again to represent Wigan in the Long Parliament. He remained a Member of Parliament until he died in 1650.

As the country moved towards civil war, Rigby became a Deputy Lieutenant for Lancashire in 1641. This role meant he helped manage the local military forces. When the English Civil War began, he joined the Parliamentary army and became a colonel in 1643.

Rigby's Role in America

In 1643, Alexander Rigby also bought a special document called the Plough Patent. This gave him rights to land in a place called Lygonia in Maine, which is now part of the United States. This land was located between Cape Porpoise and the Kennebec River. Today, the city of Portland is in that area.

Key Battles and Military Actions

Alexander Rigby was a main commander for Parliament's forces in Lancashire. In early 1644, he led an attack on Lathom House. This house was being defended by Charlotte Stanley, Countess of Derby, who supported the King. This event is known as the Siege of Lathom House.

After leaving Lathom House, Rigby and his soldiers were caught in a surprise attack by Prince Rupert's forces. This event is known as the Bolton Massacre. Rigby managed to take his remaining soldiers to join the main Parliamentary army in York. He then led a group of soldiers at the important Battle of Marston Moor on July 2, 1644.

Later Life and Legal Roles

In 1649, Alexander Rigby was asked to be one of the judges for the trial of King Charles I. However, he chose not to take part in the trial.

Even though he didn't judge the King, Rigby was given important legal jobs. In May 1649, he became a Serjeant-at-law for the Commonwealth. This was a very senior lawyer position. Soon after, on June 1, 1649, he became a Baron of the Exchequer. This meant he was a judge in a special court that dealt with money matters for the government.

Alexander Rigby sadly caught an infection while working as a judge in Croydon. He passed away at the age of 56. He was married to Lucy Legh and his son, also named Alexander, continued his family line.