John Henderson, 5th of Fordell facts for kids
Sir John Henderson, Vth Baron of Fordell (born 1605, died 1650) was a brave Scottish soldier and landowner. He was known as a Cavalier because he supported King Charles I during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. These wars were a big conflict in England, Scotland, and Ireland in the 1600s.
John was born at Fordell Castle in Scotland. He traveled a lot as a soldier, working for different countries like Denmark and Sweden. He even faced Barbary pirates while serving on the East African coast. It is said that he fell in love with the Princess of Zanzibar and helped her escape to Egypt. Later, King Charles I made him a Knight for his service.
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Fighting in the Civil War
Sir John Henderson played an important role in the First English Civil War. This war was fought between those who supported King Charles I (called Royalists) and those who supported the Parliament (called Parliamentarians).
Taking Newark-on-Trent
In late 1642, Sir John helped a Royalist leader named Sir John Digby capture the town of Newark-on-Trent. This was an important place for the King. After this success, Sir John Henderson was made the Governor of Newark. He lived and worked in a place called The Governor's House.
Defending Newark
In February 1643, Sir John led a brave attack from Newark. His small force successfully pushed back a much larger Parliamentarian army of 6,000 soldiers. This victory showed his skill as a military leader.
Capturing Grantham
In March 1643, Sir John joined forces with another Royalist general, Sir Charles Cavendish. Together, they led a surprise attack on the town of Grantham in Lincolnshire. They successfully captured the town for the King.
Battle of Winceby
Later in 1643, Sir John's Royalist cavalry faced a big Parliamentarian army. This army was led by famous generals like the Earl of Manchester and Oliver Cromwell. On October 11, 1643, Sir John's cavalry was defeated at the Battle of Winceby.
Later Life and Diplomacy
As the war continued, King Charles I became desperate for help. Sir John Henderson secretly worked to get support from the King of Denmark. The English Parliament found out about these secret talks.
After being held prisoner for a long time, Sir John was allowed to go to Denmark. He later returned to England as a representative for the King of Denmark. However, people worried he was spying for the King of England. So, he was ordered to return to Denmark. Sir John Henderson passed away on March 11, 1650.
Family Life
Sir John Henderson was the son of Sir John Henderson, 4th of Fordell, and Agnes Balfour. He married Margaret Monteith in 1625. Together, they had ten children:
- Jean Henderson (married Thomas Bruce)
- Sir John Henderson of Fordell, 1st Baronet (died 1683)
- Francis Henderson (died fighting for France)
- George Henderson (died fighting in The Netherlands)
- Margaret Henderson (married Sir Henry Wardlaw, then Peter Hay)
- Elizabeth Henderson (married Alexander Mercer, then Sir Robert Cunningham, then Sir William Denholme)
- Bethia Henderson (married John Roberton, then Alexander Hamilton)
- Anna Henderson (married Hon. Archibald Stuart, then Walter Denholme)
- William Henderson (born around 1628, died 1676)
- James Henderson (born around 1630, died 1675, supported King Charles II)
