Jane Ingleby facts for kids

Jane Ingleby (died 1651) was an English woman known for her bravery during the English Civil War. She was also called Trooper Jane. According to stories, she fought in a major battle dressed as a man.

Jane Ingleby is most famous for a legend involving Oliver Cromwell. After a battle, she supposedly held Cromwell at gunpoint. This was to protect her brother, Sir William Ingleby, 1st Baronet, from being found.

Jane Ingleby's Early Life

Jane Ingleby was the daughter of Sampson Ingleby and Jane Lambert. Her father worked as a manager for a powerful noble. The family lived at Spofforth Castle in North Yorkshire.

Jane had four sisters and two brothers. Her family had connections to important events in English history. For example, some relatives were involved in the Gunpowder plot in 1605.

In 1618, her brother William inherited Ripley Castle. Jane moved there to live with him. Later, in 1642, King Charles I made her brother a special noble called a Baronet.

Jane Ingleby and the English Civil War

Ripley Castle is a historic home in North Yorkshire.

The Ingleby family were Catholic and strongly supported King Charles I. This was during the English Civil War, a big fight between the King and Parliament. The King's supporters were called Royalists. Parliament's supporters were called Roundheads.

Stories say Jane fought alongside her brother, Sir William. She reportedly dressed as a man in a full suit of armor. This was at the Battle of Marston Moor in 1644. The Royalists lost this battle to the Roundheads.

After the defeat, Jane and her brother went back to Ripley Castle. Oliver Cromwell, a leader of the Roundheads, was approaching the castle. Sir William hid in a secret room called a priest hole.

When Cromwell arrived, Jane bravely tried to stop him. She claimed she was worried about her safety. She even convinced Cromwell to make his soldiers sleep outside the castle.

Eventually, she let Cromwell enter the castle. But she held him at gunpoint in the library all night! This stopped him from searching the house for her brother. Cromwell left the next morning without finding Sir William. After this brave act, Jane became known as "Trooper Jane."

Later Life and Legacy

After the war, Jane Ingleby worked on a farm nearby. She helped her family pay off fines placed on them by Parliament. These fines were because they supported the King.

Jane Ingleby died in 1651. She was buried at Ripley Castle.

Her bravery is still remembered today.

• A beer called Crack Shot Ale is named after her. It is made by Daleside Brewery.
• A modern family member, Eleanor Jane Ingilby, was named in her honor.