Francis Hawley, 1st Baron Hawley facts for kids

Francis Hawley (born January 14, 1608, died December 22, 1684) was an important English politician and soldier. He also held a special noble title called a "peer."

Francis Hawley's Early Life and the Civil War

Francis Hawley was the son of Sir Henry Hawley and Elizabeth Poulett. He grew up in Wiveliscombe, England.

In 1642, he became a "Commissioner of Array" in Somerset. This meant he helped gather soldiers and supplies for the king.

During the English Civil War, Francis Hawley was a strong supporter of King Charles I. He was a "Royalist," meaning he was loyal to the king. He led a group of cavalry soldiers, known as "Cavaliers," who fought for the king. His soldiers served under Prince Rupert of the Rhine, a famous royal commander.

From 1643 to 1644, Hawley was the Deputy Governor of Bristol. This was an important job, helping to manage the city. In 1644, King Charles I gave him the title of "baronet." This was a special honor, making him Sir Francis Hawley.

A year later, in 1645, King Charles I gave him an even higher title. He became Baron Hawley in the Peerage of Ireland. This made him a "peer," a member of the nobility.

As the Civil War continued, the Royalists faced difficulties. In 1645, Hawley was allowed to leave England and go into exile with Prince Rupert. Later, in 1647, Oliver Cromwell took control of his lands.

Hawley's Return and Later Career

When the monarchy was brought back to England in 1660, this event was called the Restoration. Francis Hawley returned to England.

He became a captain in the Royal Horse Guards, a famous cavalry regiment. He commanded a troop of soldiers from 1661 to 1675. Hawley strongly believed that England needed a strong "standing army." This meant having professional soldiers ready at all times, not just when there was a war.

In 1665, he became a Member of Parliament for the area of Mitchell. He held this position until 1673. From 1672 to 1674, he was also the Captain of Deal Castle, an important fortress.

From 1669 until his death, Hawley worked for the Duke of York. He was a "Gentleman of the Bedchamber," a close personal attendant to the Duke. He also served under the Duke during the Third Anglo-Dutch War.

Francis Hawley married Jane Gibbes. He passed away in 1684. His grandson, also named Francis, inherited his noble title.

See also

• Hawley baronets