Francis Leke, 1st Earl of Scarsdale facts for kids
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Francis Leke, 1st Earl of Scarsdale (1581–1655), was an important English nobleman from Sutton Scarsdale Hall. He was a strong supporter of King Charles I. He fought for the Royalist side during the English Civil War, a big conflict in England's history.
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Who Was Francis Leke?
Francis Leke was the son of Sir Francis Leke (who died in 1626). His mother was Frances Swifte. She was the daughter of Robert Swifte. Francis also had a half-brother named William Leke. William was the father of Sir Francis Leke, 1st Baronet.
His Journey to Earl
Francis Leke received several important titles during his life.
Becoming a Baronet
In 1611, he was first made a baronet. This was a special title given by the King. It meant he was a knight with a hereditary title.
Becoming a Baron
Later, in 1624, he was given an even higher title. He became a peer and was known as Baron Deincourt of Sutton. This name was chosen to remember an old, important family. They used to own land that the Leke family later inherited.
Legal Matters
In 1629, Francis had some legal issues. These were related to money that was owed to his father after his father passed away.
Becoming an Earl
In 1645, Francis Leke was given his highest title. He became the Earl of Scarsdale. This showed his importance and loyalty to the King.
Fighting in the Civil War
Francis Leke was a dedicated Royalist. This meant he supported King Charles I during the English Civil War.
The Siege of Sutton Scarsdale Hall
In April 1643, Lord Deincourt began to make his home, Sutton Scarsdale Hall, stronger for battle. Sir John Gell, a Parliamentarian leader, sent his brother, Colonel Thomas Gell, to attack the hall. Colonel Gell had 500 men and three cannons. Lord Deincourt refused to give up and bravely defended his home.
Eventually, the house was captured. Lord Deincourt and his men were taken prisoner. The defenses of the hall were destroyed. Lord Deincourt was later set free. He promised to go to Derby and surrender to the Parliament. However, he did not keep his word. Because of this, his house at Sutton was later plundered by Parliamentarian soldiers.
Losses in Battle
The war brought great sadness to Francis Leke. In the same year, 1643, two of his sons were killed. They were fighting for the King at the Battle of Lansdowne on July 5th.
Losing His Estates
Because of his strong support for the King, Parliament took away his lands and properties. This is called sequestration. He refused to pay a fine to get them back. So, his estates were sold. However, his son arranged for friends to buy them. His son then paid the large sum of £18,000 to get the family lands back.
Later Life and Passing
The Earl of Scarsdale was very upset by the execution of King Charles I. He had given his life and fortune to support the King. He became very sad after the King's death. He spent his last years in deep thought and prayer. He even had his grave dug years before he died. He would lie in it every Friday to pray and meditate.
Francis Leke died at his home in Sutton Scarsdale on April 9, 1655. He was buried in the church there.
Family Life
Francis Leke married Anne Cary. She was the daughter of Sir Edward Cary. Anne was also the sister of Henry Cary, 1st Viscount Falkland. Together, Francis and Anne had several children:
- Francis Leke, who died in France.
- Nicholas Leke, 2nd Earl of Scarsadale, who became the next Earl. The family titles ended when Nicholas Leke, 4th Earl of Scarsdale died in 1736. The family's large lands were then sold to pay off debts.
- Edward Leke and Charles Leke, who were both killed at the Battle of Lansdowne in 1643.
- Henry Leke, who never married.
- Anne Leke, who married Henry Hildyard.
- Catherine Leke, who married The Hon. Col. Cuthbert Morley. Their only child was Anne Morley. She married Bernard Granville.
- Frances Leke, who married Viscount Gormanston.
- Penelope Leke, who married Charles, Lord Lucas.
- Elizabeth Leke and Muriel Leke, who never married.
A Song About Him
A song was written about Francis Leke by Richard Howitt. He was a famous writer from Derbyshire. Here is the first part of the song:
:O, say not so, Sir Francis,
- Breathe not such woe to me :—
- Broad and pleasant are your lands,
- And your Hall is fair to see.
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