Charles Wogan facts for kids

Charles Wogan (born around 1698, died around 1752), also known as the Chevalier Wogan, was a brave soldier who supported the Jacobite cause. This was a movement that wanted to bring the old royal family, the Stuarts, back to the throne of Great Britain.

Early Life and Family History

Charles Wogan was the second son of William Wogan and Anne Gaydon. His family had a long history in Ireland. His great-grandfather, William Wogan, came from Rathcoffey Castle. The family line could be traced back to Sir John Wogan, who was a very important judge in Ireland many years ago.

Adventures as a Soldier

In 1715, Charles and his younger brother Nicholas joined a military force led by Colonel Henry Oxburgh. However, their group surrendered to General Charles Wills at the Battle of Preston on November 14.

After this, Charles Wogan was accused of serious actions against the government. His trial was set for May 1716. But the night before his trial, Wogan was part of a daring escape from Newgate prison. He was one of only seven people who managed to get away successfully from a group of fifteen. The government offered a reward of 500 pounds for his capture, but they never found him.

Wogan managed to escape to France. There, he joined Dillon's Regiment, a military group, until 1718. He then traveled to Rome to join the exiled prince, James Francis Edward Stuart, who was also known as the "Chevalier."

A Daring Rescue Mission

In 1718, Wogan went on an important mission for Prince James. He was sent to find a princess for James to marry. After some searching, he chose Maria Clementina Sobieska, who was the granddaughter of the famous Polish king, John Sobieski.

However, on her way to meet Prince James, Clementina was arrested in Innsbruck by order of the emperor. The emperor wanted to stay on good terms with the British government, which was against Prince James. But Charles Wogan, along with three relatives—Richard Gaydon, Captain Missett, and Ensign Edward O'Toole—carried out a very exciting rescue! On April 27, 1719, they freed Clementina in a romantic and brave way.

For this amazing feat, the Pope, Clement XI, gave Wogan the special title of Roman senator. Prince James also rewarded Wogan by making him a baronet, which is a title of honor.

Service in Spain

After his heroic rescue, Wogan joined the Spanish army as a colonel. In 1723, he showed great courage during the defense of Santa Cruz, a town that was being attacked by the Moors. Because of his bravery, he was promoted to brigadier-general and became the governor of La Mancha, a region in Spain.

From La Mancha, he sent gifts, like a barrel of Spanish wine, to the famous writer Jonathan Swift in 1732. Swift wrote back to Wogan, and they exchanged several interesting letters.

Later Life

In 1746, the Chevalier Wogan was with the Duke of York in Dunkirk. He hoped to join Prince Charles Edward, another Jacobite leader, in England. However, it seems he returned to La Mancha in Spain and passed away there sometime after 1752.