John Hotham, the younger facts for kids

Sir John Hotham the younger (born around 1610 in Yorkshire – died 2 January 1645 in London), also known as Captain Hotham, was an English politician and military leader. He fought for the Parliamentarians during the First English Civil War. He was later put to death for serious charges in 1645.

Early Life

John Hotham was born around 1610. His father was Sir John Hotham. His mother was Katherine Rodes.

When he was a young man, Hotham served in the army of the Prince of Orange. This was during the Thirty Years War in the Netherlands. He was there from 1629 to 1631. He might have been at the English siege of Bois-le-Duc in 1629.

In 1640, Hotham became a member of parliament for Scarborough, North Yorkshire. He served in both the Long Parliament and the Short Parliament.

The English Civil War

The First English Civil War began in September 1642. This was a fight between King Charles I and the English Parliament. The King's supporters were called Royalists. Parliament's supporters were called Roundheads.

In January 1642, Parliament made Hotham's father the governor of Hull. John Hotham went to Hull with soldiers to take control of the city. Hull had many Royalist supporters. It also had a large supply of weapons for the King.

At first, the mayor of Hull did not let Hotham in. But a week later, the Hothams controlled the city. On 23 April 1642, King Charles I asked to enter Hull. Hotham's father refused the King's request.

Hotham's Military Actions

In September 1642, Hotham left Hull with his soldiers. He went to take control of Doncaster. In October 1642, he captured Cawood Castle in North Yorkshire.

This action went against an agreement. Ferdinando Fairfax, 2nd Lord Fairfax of Cameron was the Parliamentarian leader in Yorkshire. He had made a peace agreement with the Royalist forces in Newcastle.

In 1643, Hotham and Fairfax took over Leeds. They then tried to capture York. But Royalist forces broke their attempt to take the city. Fairfax's soldiers had to go back to Hull. Hotham fought in small battles at Tadcaster on 7 December. He also fought at Sherburn during this retreat.

Changing Sides?

By early 1643, Hotham thought about joining the Royalist side. He believed he was a better leader than Fairfax. He did not like being under Fairfax's command.

In early 1643, Hotham started talking with the Earl of Newcastle. He was the Royalist commander in Yorkshire. They met at Bridlington. They said they were talking about trading prisoners.

But Hotham secretly asked for a lot of money. He also wanted his father to become a viscount. He wanted to become a baron himself. In return, he would give Hull to the Royalists.

In April 1643, Hotham joined his soldiers with Parliamentarian forces in Lincolnshire. Hotham's soldiers caused trouble. Hotham also seemed to try to take control of Parliamentarian officers. This made Colonel Oliver Cromwell and John Hutchinson suspicious. Hutchinson was the governor of Nottingham Castle. They reported Hotham to the Parliamentary Committee of Safety.

Trial and End

In the summer of 1643, the Committee ordered Hotham's arrest. He tried to escape from Nottingham. But he was arrested with his father while trying to return to Hull.

In December 1644, both men were put on trial in London. They faced serious charges. Hotham tried to blame everything on his father. But he was found guilty.

On 1 January 1645, John Hotham the younger was put to death. His father was put to death the next day.