Ferdinando Stanhope facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ferdinando Stanhope
|
|
|---|---|
Bridge over the River Trent seen from West Bridgford, where Stanhope was killed in December 1643
|
|
| Member of Parliament for Tamworth |
|
| In office 1640 – 1643 (excluded) |
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1619 Shelford Priory |
| Died | 14 December 1643 (aged 24) West Bridgford |
| Resting place | St Peter and St Paul churchyard |
| Nationality | English |
| Political party | Royalist |
| Spouse | Lettice Ferrers (1643-his death) |
| Children | Anne |
| Occupation | Politician and soldier |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  England |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | First English Civil War Edgehill; First Siege of Lichfield; Hopton Heath |
Ferdinando Stanhope (born 1619, died December 1643) was an English politician and soldier. He was the younger son of Philip Stanhope, 1st Earl of Chesterfield. From 1640 to 1643, he served as a Member of Parliament for Tamworth. During the First English Civil War, he joined the Royalist army. He was sadly killed in a small fight near West Bridgford.
Early Life and Family
Ferdinando Stanhope was born at Shelford Manor in Nottinghamshire. His exact birth date is not known, but it was likely around 1618. This would have made him at least 21 years old when he was elected to Parliament in 1640.
He was the ninth son of Philip Stanhope, 1st Earl of Chesterfield. His mother was Catherine, who was the daughter of Francis Hastings, Lord Hastings. Shortly before his death in 1643, Ferdinando married Lettice Ferrers. She was the daughter of Sir Humphrey Ferrers from Tamworth Castle. They had one daughter named Anne, who was born after his death.
Political and Military Career
In November 1640, Ferdinando Stanhope was chosen as a Member of Parliament for Tamworth. This was part of a special Parliament known as the Long Parliament.
When the First English Civil War began in August 1642, he decided to support the King. He joined the Royalist army and fought in the Edgehill campaign. This was one of the first big battles of the war.
In early 1643, King Charles I honored him and other officers. They were given a special degree from the University of Oxford. Stanhope was then promoted to a Colonel. He led a cavalry regiment, which is a group of soldiers on horseback. His regiment fought in important battles at Lichfield and Hopton Heath in April 1643.
Sadly, Ferdinando Stanhope was killed in December 1643 during a small fight. This skirmish happened near West Bridgford. He was later buried in his family's burial ground at St Peter and St Paul churchyard.
His cousin, Sir Aston Cokain, wrote a poem about him to remember him:
:Here underneath this monumental Stone
- Lie Honour, Youth, and Beauty all in One:
- For Ferdinando Stanhope here doth rest,
- Of all those Three the most unequal'd Test.
- He was too handsome and too stout to be
- Met face to face by any Enemy;
- Therefore his foe (full for his death inclin'd)
- Stole basely near, and shot him through behind.
