John Parker (Jacobite) facts for kids

John Parker (born around 1651 – died sometime after 1719) was an English army officer. He was also a Jacobite, which means he supported King James II and his family after James was removed from the throne.

Early Military Career

John Parker began his military career in 1676. He became a captain in a regiment led by the Duke of Monmouth in France. Two years later, in 1678, he joined the regiment of James, Duke of York.

Parker quickly moved up the ranks. By 1681, he was a brigadier-lieutenant. He became a lieutenant in the Guards in 1683 and a captain of horse in 1685. Later that same year, he was promoted to major in Lord Arran's cavalry regiment. By 1687, he had reached the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

Supporting King James II

When King James II went into exile, John Parker followed him. James II moved to St. Germain in France and later to Ireland. Parker served in James's Jacobite Irish Army there.

In 1690, Parker fought in the Battle of the Boyne. This was a very important battle where King James II's army fought against the forces of William III. Parker was wounded during this battle, and his cavalry troop suffered many losses.

Challenges and Escapes

After the Battle of the Boyne, Parker faced many difficulties. In 1693, he was arrested in London. He was suspected of being involved in a plan against King William III. This plan was supposed to happen in Flanders. However, Parker managed to escape.

In May 1694, he was captured again in Bloomsbury and sent to the Tower of London. He was kept in strict confinement and not allowed to write. Even though a legal charge was made against him in June 1694, his trial was delayed. On August 11, Parker escaped from the Tower again, reportedly with help from a bribed guard. A reward was then offered for his capture.

Later Life and Exile

Parker's name came up often in trials related to the Jacobite assassination plot 1696. This was a plan to kill King William III. In October 1696, Parker traveled to London with the Duke of Berwick. However, he was soon informed on and had to quickly flee to France.

In 1702, King Louis XIV of France ordered Parker's arrest. This was because Parker had spoken too freely and upset Mary of Modena, King James II's wife, and her close friend. Parker was held in the Bastille prison from August 16, 1702, until June 1704. After his release, he was not allowed to visit St. Germain, where the exiled King James II's court was located.

Parker even tried to switch sides and offered to work for the English government. However, by 1708, he was back in favor with the Jacobite cause. It is believed he died sometime after 1719, as his letters stopped around that time.

Family Life

John Parker was married two times. With his first wife, Johanna Rouse, he had two sons named Gervais Parker and Christopher. Unlike their father, his sons did not follow him into exile. Instead, they achieved high ranks in the British army and navy.