John Morris (soldier) facts for kids
John Morris (born around 1617, died 1649) was a brave and daring army officer during the First English Civil War. He fought for both sides in the conflict: first for the King (Royalists) and later for Parliament (Parliamentarians). Sadly, he was later put to death after being accused of a serious crime against the government.
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Early Life and Military Start
John Morris grew up in Yorkshire, near a town called Pontefract. His family had connections to a powerful family, the Wentworths. When he was just 16, John Morris became an ensign (a junior officer) in the army of Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a lieutenant.
After Strafford's death, Morris continued his military career. He became a captain and later a sergeant-major. During the Irish rebellion of 1641, he showed great courage. Even after being wounded, he helped rally English troops and charged against the enemy. After this, Morris returned to England and served in Lord Byron's army for a short time.
Joining the Parliamentarians
After the city of Liverpool was taken in 1644, John Morris made a big change. He decided to leave the King's army and join the Parliamentarian forces. Here, he became a colonel, a high-ranking officer.
However, when the New Model Army was formed (a new, more organized Parliamentarian army), Morris didn't immediately get a command. He returned to his home at East Hague, near Pontefract. This area was home to several families, not just Morris's.
Taking Pontefract Castle
John Morris knew Colonel Robert Overton, who was in charge of Pontefract Castle. Morris believed Overton might secretly support the King. So, Morris made a secret plan with Overton to capture the castle. Overton promised to open a secret gate for them.
But in November 1647, Overton was moved to a different castle. Morris then had to find another way to take Pontefract Castle.
Morris tried to capture the castle on May 18, 1648, using a scaling ladder, but it didn't work. The castle's new governor, Cotterell, became more careful.
Morris didn't give up! On June 3, he and William Paulden, along with a few other men, dressed up as ordinary country people. They pretended to be bringing beds and money into the castle. Once inside, they surprised the guards and locked them up. Cotterell, the governor, was wounded while resisting. More of Morris's troops, who were waiting nearby, then joined them. This daring plan worked, and they took control of Pontefract Castle!
Later, Oliver Cromwell, a powerful Parliamentarian leader, demanded that Morris surrender the castle. Morris bravely refused. Even though many of his soldiers left, he led two strong attacks in February 1649. But by March 3, he had to agree to talk with the Parliamentarians. The Parliamentarian general, John Lambert, said that six people would not be forgiven, and John Morris was one of them.
Escape and Final Days
On March 17, the agreement was made. The officers who were not forgiven were allowed to try and escape. John Morris bravely charged through the enemy army and managed to get away into Lancashire.
General Lambert had promised Morris safety if he could get five miles from the castle. But about ten days later, Morris was betrayed and captured in the Furness Fells. He was taken to Lancaster Castle.
On August 16, Morris was put on trial in York. He defended himself, but he was found guilty and sentenced to death. Even some Parliamentarian officers tried to save him, but it was no use.
On the night of August 20, Morris and another prisoner, Michael Blackborne, escaped from York Castle. However, Blackborne broke his leg while climbing over the wall, and Morris refused to leave him behind. They were both recaptured and put to death on August 23, 1649.
Burial and Family
John Morris was buried in Wentworth, South Yorkshire, near the grave of Lord Strafford, as he had wished. His brave actions were even written about in poems by Thomas Vaughan.
Morris was married to Margery, and they had three children: Robert, Castilian, and Mary. Castilian was given his unusual name because he was born during the siege of Pontefract Castle. He later became a town clerk in Leeds.
Images for kids
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Pontefract Castle, painted about 1620 by Alexander Keirincx
