John Lucas, 1st Baron Lucas of Shenfield facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sir John Lucas, 1st Baron Shenfield
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Gatehouse of St John's, the Lucas family home
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| High Sheriff of Essex | |
| In office 1636–1637 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 October 1606 |
| Died | 2 July 1671 (aged 64) St John's, Essex, England |
| Spouse | Anne Nevill (1628-1660) |
| Children | Mary (died 1700) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Royalist |
| Years of service | 1642-1645 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | |
John Lucas, 1st Baron Lucas of Shenfield (born October 23, 1606 – died July 2, 1671) was an English soldier. He was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War. He was also a businessman and owned a lot of land.
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Who Was John Lucas?
John Lucas was born in 1606. His parents were Sir Thomas Lucas and Elizabeth Leighton. He was one of eight children in his family. Some of his siblings were also famous. These included Sir Thomas Lucas and Sir Charles Lucas. Both of them were officers who fought for the King. His sister, Margaret Cavendish, became a well-known writer and philosopher.
Early Support for the King
John Lucas was one of the first people to openly support the King. In 1638, he began working for the young Prince of Wales. The Prince was only eight years old at the time.
His home in Colchester, called St John's, faced trouble in 1642. A large crowd attacked his house during some local unrest.
Fighting in the Civil War
The First English Civil War began soon after. John Lucas was captured by the Parliament's army early in the war. However, he managed to escape. He then joined the King's forces. He fought bravely for the King at the Battle of Naseby.
On January 3, 1645, the King gave him a special title. He became Baron Lucas of Shenfield. This made him a member of the Peerage of England.
Later Life and Legacy
John Lucas was held captive by Parliament again in 1655. He was released before 1660. This was the year the King returned to power, known as the Stuart Restoration.
In 1663, he became an original member of the Royal Society. This was a famous group for scientists and thinkers.
John Lucas married Anne Nevill in 1628. They had one daughter who lived to adulthood. Her name was Mary Grey, Countess of Kent. At her father's request, Mary was given her own title. She became in her own right Baroness Lucas of Crudwell.
John Lucas passed away on July 2, 1671. He was buried at St Giles's church in Colchester. He did not have any sons who lived. Because of a special rule for his title, it passed to his nephew. His nephew, Charles Lucas, 2nd Baron Lucas (1631–1688), was the son of his older brother, Sir Thomas Lucas.
| Peerage of England | ||
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| Preceded by New Creation |
Baron Lucas 1645–1671 |
Succeeded by Charles Lucas |
