David Leslie, 1st Lord Newark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Newark
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David Leslie, Lord Newark
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| Born | c. 1600 |
| Died | 1682 (aged 81–82) |
| Allegiance |  Swedish Empire (1630–1632 & 1634–1640) Tsardom of Russia (1632–1633) Scottish Covenanters (1644–1650) Scottish Royalists (1650–1651) |
| Years of service | c. 1630–1651 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars | Thirty Years' War Wars of the Three Kingdoms |
| Relations | Patrick Leslie, 1st Lord Lindores (father) |
David Leslie, 1st Lord Newark (around 1600 – around 1682) was a Scottish military leader. He was also a nobleman. He fought in many important wars during his life.
David Leslie joined the Swedish Army in 1630. He fought in the Thirty Years' War. Later, he returned to Scotland. He fought in the English Civil War and the Scottish Civil Wars. He first fought for the Covenanters. Then he fought for the Royalists. After the king returned to power, Charles II of England made him a lord. He was given the title Lord Newark.
Contents
Early Life
David Leslie was the fifth son in his family. His father was Sir Patrick Leslie, 1st Lord Lindores. His mother was Jean, who was the daughter of Robert Stewart, 1st Earl of Orkney.
Fighting in Europe
David Leslie was one of many Scots who fought in other countries. In 1632, he joined the Russian army for a short time. He fought in the Smolensk War. He then returned to the Swedish army in 1634. He became a colonel. He also worked as a special assistant to Field Marshal Johan Banér. He fought in the Battle of Wittstock in 1636.
Coming Back to Scotland
In August 1640, Leslie asked to leave the Swedish army. He had been hurt in battle. The Swedish Royal Council allowed him and another officer, Colonel James Lumsden, to go home. They were likely called back to Scotland. They were needed to help the Covenanters army. This army was fighting against Charles I of England in the Bishops' Wars.
Both officers received a special payment. They also got 200 muskets and 200 suits of armor. Leslie also received a valuable gold chain. This showed how loyal he had been to the Swedish King. They arrived in Scotland after the Bishops' Wars had mostly ended.
The Civil Wars in Britain
In 1643, Scotland and England made an agreement. It was called the Solemn League and Covenant. David Leslie became a Major General. He served under Alexander Leslie. Their army was sent to help the English Parliament in 1644.
Battle of Marston Moor
David Leslie played a very important role at the Battle of Marston Moor. This battle was near York. He led a successful cavalry charge. His horse soldiers attacked the Royalist Cavaliers. This happened while Oliver Cromwell was injured. Leslie's charge gave his infantry time to regroup. They then defeated the Royalist soldiers.
Fighting in Scotland
In 1645, Leslie was sent back to Scotland. His job was to deal with the Royalist forces there. He completely defeated the main Royalist army. This army was led by James Graham, Marquis of Montrose. The battle was called the Battle of Philiphaugh (September 1645). Leslie was rewarded with money and a gold chain. Sadly, after the battle, many of the captured Irish soldiers were killed, even though they had surrendered. Leslie was then made a lieutenant-general. He also received a pension.
One of the people captured at Philiphaugh was Alexander Leslie of Auchintoul. This was David Leslie's old commander. David Leslie personally helped save him from being executed. Auchintoul was sent away from Scotland for life.
Siege of Newark
Leslie returned to England. He was present at the siege of Newark. When Earl of Leven left, Leslie took command of the Scottish army. This army was surrounding Newark. While he was in charge, King Charles I traveled from Oxford. The King surrendered to Leslie on May 5, 1646. Newark surrendered the next day.
After this, Leslie went back to Scotland. He helped defeat several Highland clans. These clans had supported the King.
In 1647, Leslie surrounded Dunaverty Castle. This castle was a stronghold for the Clan Donald. The MacDonalds surrendered. After they surrendered, about 300 people were killed in what became known as the Dunaverty Massacre.
Kincardine Castle
Leslie then surrounded the Royalist soldiers at Kincardine Castle. The castle was held by "Smooth John" Macnab. He was the Chief of Clan MacNab. MacNab realized they could not defend the castle much longer. He led his 300 men out, fighting their way through Leslie's army. Most of them escaped. However, MacNab and one other man were captured. They were sent to Edinburgh as prisoners. MacNab was sentenced to death but escaped. He rejoined King Charles and continued fighting. MacNab was later killed at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
Montrose's Capture
In 1650, Montrose tried to start another Royalist uprising. He was captured by Neil Macleod. Macleod handed him over to the Covenanters. General Leslie was in Tain at the time. He sent Major General James Holborne to bring Montrose to his judges. Montrose was later executed in Edinburgh.
Fighting for the King (1650)
By 1650, the Scottish Covenanter government was not happy with the English Parliament. Instead, they decided to support King Charles II. They hoped that if they helped him, he would agree to their political and religious plans for Great Britain. So, Leslie now found himself fighting for the King.
When Oliver Cromwell's army invaded Scotland in July 1650, Leslie commanded the Scottish forces. Leslie avoided direct battle. He stopped Cromwell from attacking Edinburgh. When the English had to retreat in August 1650, Leslie chased them. He managed to trap 11,000 English soldiers near Dunbar.
Battle of Dunbar
The Scottish army had twice as many men as the English. However, there were disagreements among the Scottish leaders. This gave Cromwell a chance to attack. Cromwell won a major victory against the Scots at the Battle of Dunbar on September 3, 1650. Leslie escaped with only a small part of his army. They then joined King Charles II's Royalist forces.
Battle of Worcester
Leslie led the Royalist army in another invasion of England in 1651. Again, he was defeated by Cromwell. This happened at the Battle of Worcester on September 3, 1651. After the battle, Leslie was captured. He was sent to the Tower of London.
Later Life
Leslie was released from prison in 1660. This was when King Charles II returned to power. Leslie was given the title Lord Newark. David Leslie, 1st Lord Newark, passed away in 1682.
Family
His son, David, became the 2nd Lord Newark. His daughter, Jean Leslie (died 1740), was known as the 3rd "Lady Newark." She married Sir Alexander Anstruther in 1694. Their sons, William and Alexander, were sometimes called the 4th and 5th Lords Newark.
His cousin was John Leslie, Lord Newton. He was a judge and a military officer. He fought in some of the same battles.
His daughter Mary Leslie married Alexander Kinloch. He was the son of Sir Francis Kinloch, 1st Baronet.
See also
- Clan Leslie
- Newark Castle, Fife
- Scotland and the Thirty Years' War
- Susanna Montgomery, Countess of Eglinton A granddaughter
- John Nevay chaplain
