John Lawson (Royal Navy officer) facts for kids
Sir John Lawson (born around 1615 in Scarborough, North Yorkshire – died 1665) was a brave English naval officer. He fought in important sea battles, including the First Anglo-Dutch War and the Second Anglo-Dutch War. He was a key figure in the English navy during a very busy time in history.
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Sir John Lawson commanded ships for the English Parliament during and after the English Civil War. This was a big conflict in England from 1642 to 1646. He continued to serve the navy in the early 1650s.
For a short time in 1656, he left public service. Lawson was known for his strong beliefs as a republican, meaning he supported a government without a king. He was briefly involved with a group called the Fifth Monarchists and was arrested in 1657. However, he was soon released.
In 1659, he was put in charge of the entire fleet by the Parliament. His job was to work with General George Monck. Together, they helped bring back the king, Charles II of England, to the throne in 1660. King Charles II was very grateful and made Lawson a knight.
Fighting Pirates in the Mediterranean
Protecting English Ships
In June 1661, Sir John Lawson sailed to the Mediterranean Sea. He was with the Earl of Sandwich. Their mission was to stop pirates, also known as corsairs, who were attacking ships.
Lawson was there when England took control of English Tangier, a city in North Africa. He even bought property there. He was very keen on England taking Tangier when the King asked his opinion.
Making Peace Treaties
When the Earl of Sandwich went to Lisbon to bring the new Queen, Catherine of Braganza, to England, Lawson stayed behind. He commanded a strong group of ships. His orders were to make sure countries like Algiers, Tunis, and Tripoli kept their promises. These promises were part of treaties that said they would not attack English ships.
Lawson captured several pirate ships. He also helped free about 200 people who had been captured by pirates. He made sure these countries renewed their peace treaties with England.
He returned to England for the winters of 1662–63 and 1663–64. While he was away, some pirates started attacking ships again. In May, Lawson went back to the Mediterranean. But before he could fully stop the pirates, he was called back home to England.
Final Battle and Legacy
In 1665, Sir John Lawson was made the vice-admiral of the red squadron. This was for the Second Anglo-Dutch War. Sadly, he was badly wounded during the Battle of Lowestoft. He died from his injuries.
- Attribution
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Index and Epitome". Dictionary of National Biography. (1903). Cambridge University Press.
