Francis Windebank (Royalist soldier) facts for kids

Francis Windebank (died 1645) was a brave soldier who fought for the Royalist side during the English Civil War. He was a colonel in the Royalist army. Sadly, he was later put on trial by his own side and shot because he surrendered a house called Bletchingdon Park to the enemy.

Who Was Francis Windebank?

Francis Windebank was the second son of Sir Francis Windebank, who was an important advisor to King Charles I. When he was young, Francis studied law. Later, he worked for a powerful nobleman named Thomas Wentworth. He also served Charles, Prince of Wales, who would later become king.

Windebank's Role in the Civil War

When the English Civil War began, Francis Windebank chose to support the King. He became a colonel in the Royalist army. He was put in charge of defending a large house called Bletchingdon Park, which was near Oxford. This house was important because it was one of the places attacked by the Parliamentarian forces, led by Oliver Cromwell.

The Attack on Bletchingdon Park

One day, Colonel Windebank invited his wife and some friends to a party at Bletchingdon Park. It was during this party that Cromwell's soldiers attacked the house. Some people think there might have been a spy among the guests who told the Parliamentarians about the party.

Colonel Windebank decided to surrender the house quickly. He did this to protect his wife and friends, even though his forces might have been able to hold out longer.

The Trial and Execution

After surrendering, Windebank returned to Oxford. There, he faced a military trial by his own Royalist army. The trial was very quick, lasting only three hours. He was found guilty and sentenced to death by a firing squad.

Francis Windebank was executed near Merton College in Oxford. It is said that he bravely faced the soldiers, opened his shirt, and shouted "God Save the King!" before he died. He left behind his wife and a daughter named Frances.

The Ghost Story

After his death, people started saying that Francis Windebank's ghost haunted the place where he was executed, which is now known as Dead Man's Walk, Oxford. It's one of the most famous ghost stories from the Civil War. Some believe his spirit felt it was unfair to be executed for what he thought was a brave act to save lives.