John Gerard (Royalist) facts for kids

John Gerard (1632–1654) was a young soldier who supported the King during the English Civil War. He was an ensign, which is a junior officer. He is known for being involved in a plan against the government that was in power after the war, called the Protectorate. Because of his part in this plan, known as Gerard's conspiracy, he was executed.

A Young Royalist Soldier

John Gerard was born in 1632. He was one of three brothers. His father, Ratcliffe Gerard, and his older brother, Gilbert, both served in the King's army during the Civil War. This shows that John came from a family loyal to the King.

Joining the Royalist Cause

As a young man, John Gerard also joined the King's army as an ensign. After the Civil War ended, the King's supporters, known as Royalists, continued to try and bring back Charles II to the throne. By the early 1650s, John Gerard became involved in these secret Royalist plans. Their goal was to overthrow the new government, the Commonwealth.

A Witness in a Public Case

In November 1653, John Gerard was a witness in an important court case. This case involved Don Pantaleone Sá, whose brother was the Portuguese ambassador. The night before a serious incident, Gerard had an argument with Pantaleone Sá and his friends in the street. Gerard was hurt in the shoulder during this fight.

The next day, Pantaleone Sá returned to seek revenge. He mistakenly attacked and killed another man, thinking it was Gerard. Pantaleone Sá was later arrested, tried, and found responsible for the death. He was sentenced to be executed. This event is important because Pantaleone Sá's execution happened on the same day as John Gerard's.

The Conspiracy Against the Government

Early in 1654, Gerard traveled to France. There, he met King Charles II, who was in exile. Soon after returning to England in May 1654, Gerard was arrested. He was accused of planning against the government in what became known as Gerard's conspiracy.

The plan was said to involve Gerard and about 30 other men. They intended to attack the leader of the government, Oliver Cromwell, as he rode to Hampton Court. After overpowering Cromwell's guards, they planned to take over Whitehall, seize the Tower of London, and declare Charles II as the new King.

Trial and Execution

Gerard's trial began on June 3 before a special court. He stated that he had been to Paris for personal reasons. He also claimed that King Charles had asked his friends not to get involved in plots. However, his younger brother, Charles, gave evidence that pointed to secret conversations about the plot. John Gerard sent his forgiveness to his brother from the scaffold.

John Gerard and another man named Peter Vowell were found guilty and sentenced to death. Gerard asked to be executed by beheading instead of hanging, and his request was granted. He died with great courage on July 10, 1654, at Tower Hill. This was the same day that Don Pantaleone Sá was also executed.

After His Death

After John Gerard's death, Royalist writers published a copy of a speech he had prepared. They suggested that he had been tricked by Oliver Cromwell. While this idea was discussed by historians, there has been no clear proof that Cromwell was directly involved in setting a trap for Gerard.