John Forster (soldier) facts for kids

Sir John Forster (born around 1520, died 1602) was an important English military leader. He was also a Warden of the Middle Marches. This meant he was in charge of keeping peace and order along the border between England and Scotland.

Life of Sir John Forster

Early Years and Battles

John Forster was born around 1520. His father, Sir Thomas Forster, was a marshal in Berwick. From a young age, John learned about border warfare. This was fighting and managing the often-tense border areas.

In August 1542, he took command of Harbottle Castle. He had a hundred soldiers with him. He fought in the Battle of Solway Moss in November 1542. He also fought in the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547. After this battle, he was made a knight by Protector Somerset. He also served as the sheriff of Northumberland from 1549 to 1550.

Important Border Roles

Sir John Forster became a commissioner in 1563. His job was to help decide the exact border lines. In 1565, he discussed the situation of Scottish exiles in England. These were Scots who had left their home country.

In 1569, he helped stop the Rebellion of the Northern Earls. This was a major uprising in England. The next year, he took action against Scottish borderers. They had helped the rebels. In 1572, he was ordered to oversee the execution of the Earl of Northumberland.

Border Incidents and Challenges

In August 1573, Forster visited Holyrood Palace in Scotland. He was an ambassador to discuss border issues. He regularly met with Scottish Wardens on special "days of truce." These were days set aside for peaceful talks.

One meeting in July 1575 turned into a battle. This event is known as the Raid of the Redeswire. Sir John Forster was defeated and captured. He and his companions were held for a few days. They were then released by Regent Morton. This happened after Queen Elizabeth of England complained.

In 1585, Sir John Forster and his son-in-law, Francis, Lord Russell, were attacked. Lord Russell was killed. At first, Forster said it was an accident. But the English government wanted to get compensation. So, Russell's death was presented as a planned attack.

Accusations and Later Years

Around this time, some people made accusations against Forster. They said he had done wrong things. These claims might have come from local disagreements. Articles based on these accusations were written in 1586. Sir John Forster was removed from his job as Warden. Lord Eure took his place.

However, Lord Hunsdon, another important figure, thought the charges were minor. Around April 1588, Sir John Forster was given his Warden job back.

In June 1594, he made an important announcement. He declared that no one in his area should help the Scottish rebel, Francis Stewart. He also asked the Mayor of Newcastle to keep two men, Jacob Kroger and Guillaume Martin, in custody. They had stolen jewels from the Scottish queen, Anne of Denmark.

Sir John Forster held the Warden position until October 1595. He was then replaced by Lord Eure again. This was partly because he was getting old. Also, the old accusations against him had resurfaced.

In October 1597, Scots nearly surprised him at Bamburgh Castle. He died at Bamburgh on January 13, 1602.

Family of Sir John Forster

Sir John Forster had daughters with his wife, Jane. Jane was the widow of Robert Ogle, 5th Baron Ogle. One of their daughters was Eleanor, or Juliana. She married Francis, Lord Russell. Their son was Edward Russell, 3rd Earl of Bedford. Another daughter, Grace, married Sir William Fenwick of Wallington. She was the mother of Sir John Fenwick, 1st Baronet.

Sir John also had a son named Nicholas. Nicholas was a deputy-warden under his father. He was made a knight in 1603. Nicholas was the father of Sir Claudius Forster, 1st Baronet. Sir Claudius died without children. Nicholas's other son, John, did not inherit the title but took over his brother's estate. The mother of Nicholas is not known.