John Reynolds (Roundhead) facts for kids

John Reynolds (1625–1657) was an important soldier during the English Civil War and the time of the Commonwealth. He was likely trained as a lawyer. Reynolds joined the army that supported Parliament. By 1648, he was in charge of a cavalry regiment. He played a big part in the English takeover of Ireland. He was also a member of Parliament for different areas in Ireland. In 1655, he was made a knight. In 1657, he led English forces working with the French army in a war against Spain. Sadly, he was lost at sea while sailing back to England.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

John Reynolds was born in 1625. He was the third son of Sir James Reynolds from Castle Camps, Cambridgeshire. His brother was Sir Robert Reynolds. John studied to become a lawyer. He was probably a member of the Middle Temple, a famous place for lawyers.

Joining the Army

Reynolds joined the parliamentary army. He was likely the brave Captain Reynolds praised by Earl of Essex in 1644. When the New Model Army was formed, Reynolds became a troop commander. He fought bravely at the attack on Bridgewater. He also helped organize soldiers who didn't want the army to be broken up in 1647. In 1648, he led a cavalry regiment. He was one of the officers guarding King Charles I at Hurst Castle in December 1648.

In 1649, some soldiers called Levellers rebelled. Part of Reynolds's regiment joined them. But Reynolds and his loyal soldiers helped stop the rebellion. They fought some mutineers at Banbury. They also helped defeat the revolt at Burford. Some Levellers were angry and called him a traitor.

Fighting in Ireland

Reynolds and his regiment arrived in Dublin, Ireland, on July 25, 1649. They helped Colonel Michael Jones win a big victory. This was against the Marquis of Ormonde at the Battle of Rathmines on August 2. Reynolds captured Carrick-on-Suir in November 1650. He successfully defended it against Lord Inchiquin's attack. Oliver Cromwell himself praised Reynolds for his actions there.

Around April 1651, Reynolds became the commissary-general of the cavalry in Ireland. He helped with the sieges of Limerick and Galway. He also signed peace agreements with Irish leaders. In 1653, the Aran Islands and Inishbofin surrendered to him.

A Supporter of Cromwell

For his great service, Parliament gave Reynolds Irish lands. These lands were worth £500 a year. He received the manor of Carrick. He also used his army pay to buy thousands of acres in County Cork and Waterford.

Serving in Parliament

Reynolds was a strong supporter of Oliver Cromwell. In 1654, he represented Galway and Mayo in the First Protectorate Parliament. In 1656, he represented Waterford and Tipperary. Cromwell knighted him on June 11, 1655. Reynolds also voted to offer Cromwell the crown. In March 1655, Reynolds helped stop a planned uprising by royalists in Shropshire.

In July 1656, Reynolds went back to Ireland with Henry Cromwell. Henry was Oliver Cromwell's son. He was also Reynolds's brother-in-law. Oliver Cromwell thought about sending Reynolds to command in Jamaica. But Henry Cromwell said Reynolds was his "right hand" and needed him in Ireland. In January 1656, Reynolds went to England. He told Cromwell about the situation in Ireland. He also helped with plans to reorganize the Irish government.

Commander in Flanders

On April 25, 1657, Lord Protector Cromwell gave Reynolds a new command. He was made commander-in-chief of English forces in Flanders. These forces would work with the French army. Reynolds accepted the job. He arrived in France in May. Cardinal Mazarin welcomed him warmly.

Reynolds found it hard to convince Marshal Turenne to attack coastal towns in Flanders. He felt that French interests were put before English ones. At the siege of Saint-Venant, the English troops fought very bravely. They were a big reason the town surrendered. By September 1657, Reynolds's 6,000 men were reduced to 4,000. This was due to the hard conditions of the campaign.

Mardyck was captured on September 23. Reynolds became the governor of the English soldiers there. It was a very difficult job to hold the weakly defended fort. Reynolds fought off one attack on October 22. But by December, only 1,800 out of 6,000 soldiers were fit to fight. Many were sick.

His Final Journey

To get more men and for personal reasons, Reynolds got permission to go to England. He left Major-general Morgan in charge at Mardyck. The ship Reynolds was on was wrecked on the Goodwin Sands. Everyone on board drowned on December 5, 1657. Admiral Richard Stayner reported the loss. John Thurloe, a close advisor to Cromwell, wrote that their deaths were "much lamented." He said they were "very worthy persons and of great use."

Family Connections

John Reynolds married Sarah Russell. She was the daughter of Sir Francis Russell. This made Reynolds the brother-in-law of Henry Cromwell. Henry Cromwell had married Sarah's sister, Elizabeth.

Reynolds's will was later debated. He left the manor of Carrick to his brother Robert. He left his other lands to James Calthorpe. James was married to Reynolds's sister Dorothy. In 1659, the House of Commons said his will was valid. They ordered Robert Reynolds to take possession of Carrick. Sarah, Sir John Reynolds's widow, later married Henry O'Brien, 7th Earl of Thomond in 1660.