Christopher Carleill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Christopher Carleill
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A line engraving of Capt. Christopher Carleill (artist unknown)
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| Born | c. 1551 London, England |
| Died | 11 November 1593 (aged 41–42) London |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of England |
| Service/ |
English Army |
| Years of service | 1573–93 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles/wars | Anglo-Spanish War |
Christopher Carleill (born around 1551, died 1593) was a brave English military and naval commander. He was known for leading soldiers and ships in many important battles and explorations during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
Contents
Who Was Christopher Carleill?
Early Life and Family
Christopher Carleill was born in London around 1551. His father, Alexander Carleill, was a wine merchant. His mother, Anne, later married Francis Walsingham in 1562. Walsingham was a very important person: he was the main spy and advisor to Queen Elizabeth I of England. When Christopher's mother passed away in 1564, Walsingham took care of young Christopher.
Christopher went to the University of Cambridge for his education.
Adventures in Europe
In 1572, Christopher Carleill went to a place called Flushing (Vlissingen) in the Netherlands. He was there during the Siege of Middelburg, a big battle. The Dutch admiral, Lodewijk van Boisot, thought highly of Christopher's advice.
Later, Christopher sailed with two ships to La Rochelle in France. He was helping Prince Henri de Condé, who needed to send supplies to the town of Brouage. This town was under attack. Prince Condé had planned to lead the attack himself, but he gave the command to Carleill when he arrived.
After this mission, Carleill went to Steenwijk in the Netherlands. This town was being attacked by the Spanish army. He was put in charge of the English soldiers at a fort called Zwarte Sluis. While leading troops, he was surprised by a large enemy force. But he fought back strongly, causing heavy losses to the enemy.
Because there were so many different foreign soldiers, the Prince of Orange gave Carleill full command of the army. After the attack on Steenwijk ended, Carleill went to Antwerp. He was about to return to England when the Prince of Orange asked him to take command again. He served the Prince of Orange for five years without getting paid.
Exploring New Worlds
In 1582, Christopher Carleill helped English merchants travel to Russia. This was during a war between Denmark and Russia. The Danish fleet saw his eleven ships but did not dare to attack. A Russian official boarded Carleill's ship and was taken to England.
With help from his stepfather, Sir Francis Walsingham, Carleill received money to explore the coast of America. He wanted to find a place to start a new English settlement. He also asked merchants in London to help raise more money. His plan was to settle one hundred people in this new place. This project did not seem to work out, but Carleill wrote about its many benefits.
Fighting for England
In 1584, Christopher Carleill was made commander of the soldiers in Coleraine, Ireland. He was called back to England in 1585. Then, Sir Francis Walsingham helped him become the lieutenant-general of the land forces. These forces had over 2,300 soldiers. They joined Sir Francis Drake's fleet of twenty-one ships for an expedition to Santo Domingo.
Carleill was the captain of a ship called the Tiger. He was in charge of the soldiers who helped capture Santiago in the Cape Verde islands. After that, they seized Santo Domingo, captured Cartagena de Indias, and raided St. Augustine. These were important victories for England against Spain.
On July 26, 1588, he became the constable of Carrickfergus in Ireland. In 1588, he was also the governor of Ulster. He wrote to Lord Burghley in 1590, asking for permission to seize Spanish goods in England. He also complained about losing money while serving the Queen.
Christopher Carleill died in London on November 11, 1593. A writer named John Stow said that Carleill strongly disliked piracy.
His Writings
Christopher Carleill also wrote some important papers:
- 'A Brief Summary Discourse upon a Voyage intending to the uttermost parts of America.' This was written in 1583 and published in Richard Hakluyt's 'Voyages.’
- 'Christopher Carleill's suit to Lord Burghley for a commission to seize Spanish goods,’ from 1590.
- 'A Discourse on the Discovery of the hithermost parts of America, written by Capt. Carleill to the Citizens of London.'
- 'Account of advantages to the realm from a sudden seizure of books, letters, papers, &c. of the Low Country people residing and inhabiting under the obedience of the king of Spain, with answers to objections.'
