Humphrey Walrond facts for kids

Humphrey Walrond (born around 1600, died around 1670) was an important leader in the history of Barbados. He served as an acting Governor and later as Deputy-Governor of the island. He played a key role during a time of big changes, especially after the English Civil War in England.

Humphrey Walrond's Early Life and Family

Humphrey Walrond was born around the year 1600. His family lived in a place called Sea, in Somerset, England. His father was also named Humphrey Walrond. He inherited his family's estates when his father passed away in 1621.

Walrond and the English Civil War

When the English Civil War began in England, Humphrey Walrond supported the King, Charles I. These supporters were known as Royalists. Even though he was a Royalist, he claimed he tried to protect people who supported Parliament from the King's soldiers. Because of this, he said the King's soldiers robbed him.

Walrond was involved in the fighting and was even held as a hostage when the town of Bridgwater surrendered in 1645. He was later allowed to pay a fine to avoid further punishment. However, by 1651, he had sold his land in England and moved to Barbados.

Life in Barbados: A New Beginning

Humphrey Walrond arrived in Barbados in 1649. His brother, Edward, who was a lawyer, may have come with him or arrived earlier. At this time, many Royalists who had lost everything in the Civil War were moving to Barbados. The Walrond brothers saw this as a chance to make Barbados a strong place for the Royalist cause.

Taking Control in Barbados

The Walronds quickly started to make changes. They helped remove a leader named Colonel Guy Molesworth and replaced him with Major Byam, someone they trusted. They also tried to make an alliance with Royalists in Bermuda, but this plan didn't work out.

To get more support, they spread a rumor that the Parliament supporters (called Roundheads) planned to harm the Royalists in Barbados. They then pushed for a law that made everyone on the island promise to defend the King. The governor at the time, Philip Bell, tried to delay this law.

However, the Walronds gathered an armed group and marched towards the main town, then called "the Bridge" (now Bridgetown). The governor arrested Humphrey Walrond but then released him. He ended up agreeing to most of the Walronds' demands. On May 8, 1650, Charles II was officially declared King in Barbados.

Willoughby's Arrival and Walrond's Influence

Soon after, in April 1650, Lord Willoughby of Parham arrived in Barbados. He had bought the rights to govern the island. The Walronds didn't want to share their power. They spread rumors that Willoughby was still a Roundhead and tried to stop people from accepting him as governor for three months.

However, Lord Willoughby was a good leader and eventually gained everyone's trust. He became governor. At first, he let the Walronds keep their power, and they largely ran Barbados when he was away visiting other islands. But when Willoughby returned, Humphrey Walrond's aggressive actions had upset many Royalists. Because of this, Walrond lost his military command and control of the island's forts.

Exile and Spanish Titles

In October 1651, Sir George Ayscue, a commander from the Commonwealth government in England, arrived in Barbados. This led to a big change on the island. Humphrey Walrond was one of the people banished (sent away) from Barbados for a year. He was later forbidden to return without special permission.

For the next eight years, Walrond's whereabouts are not entirely clear. It seems he joined the Spanish military, possibly in the West Indies. In 1653, the King of Spain, Philip IV, gave him several important Spanish titles, including Marqués de Vallado, Conde de Parama, and Conde de Valderonda. He also became a grandee of the first class, a very high honor in Spain.

Return to Power: Deputy-Governor of Barbados

When the monarchy was restored in England in 1660, Lord Willoughby became governor of Barbados again. On September 24, 1660, he chose Humphrey Walrond to be his Deputy-Governor. Walrond was already a commissioner for the island's government and president of the assembly.

Walrond's son, John, brought his father's official papers to Barbados in December. The previous governor, Sir Thomas Modyford, stepped down, and Charles II was proclaimed King again on December 20.

Walrond's Time as Deputy-Governor

Humphrey Walrond governed Barbados for three years while Lord Willoughby was away. During this time, many laws were passed that helped the island grow. A court system and highway commissioners were set up, and other improvements were made.

However, Walrond sometimes didn't like England interfering with Barbados. He felt that the King should only appoint people he recommended. He also complained that the Navigation Acts (laws that controlled trade) hurt Barbados. He even stopped merchants from suing planters for debt because the planters were struggling financially. His strong actions often led to disagreements with the island's assembly.

Removal from Office and Later Life

When Lord Willoughby returned to Barbados in August 1663, his first action was to remove Walrond from his position. Willoughby then ordered Walrond's arrest, saying he needed to account for money he received from the Spanish. Willoughby also took Walrond's house for his own official residence.

Walrond refused to accept this. In November, Willoughby declared that Walrond was "riding from place to place with his servants, armed, and inciting to mutiny and rebellion." Walrond's attempt to start a revolt failed, but he managed to escape from Barbados.

He appealed to King Charles II in England. However, he was told he would be arrested. Walrond had also built up large debts because of his loyalty to the King. To avoid being ruined by his creditors, he left England. His wife asked for his arrest order to be reversed in 1668, but we don't know the outcome. It's likely he went back to Spanish-controlled areas in the West Indies, where he probably died not long after.

Walrond's Descendants

Humphrey Walrond's eldest son, George, lost an arm fighting for King Charles I. He inherited his father's Spanish titles and died in Barbados in 1688. His family continued to be important in Antigua.

His second son, John, worked as a secretary for Lord Willoughby. His third son, Henry, became a very important politician in Barbados. He served as Speaker of the House of Assembly, chief justice, and even governor of Barbados. Henry's son, Sir Alexander Walrond, was also a well-known politician on the island.