Lawrence Crawford (soldier) facts for kids

Lawrence Crawford (born 1611 – died August 1645) was a brave Scottish soldier. He fought in different armies across Europe, including in England. He wasn't just fighting for money. He believed strongly in Presbyterian ideas and causes, and that's why he fought.

Early Life and Military Service

Lawrence Crawford was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1611. His father was Hugh Crawford of Kilbirnie. From a young age, Lawrence became a soldier. He served in the armies of several European leaders, including Christian IV of Denmark, Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, and Charles I Louis, Elector Palatine.

In 1641, Crawford traveled to England. He was appointed a Colonel in a foot regiment. This regiment was sent to Ireland to help put down the Irish Rebellion of 1641. They served under the Earl of Ormonde.

Service in Ireland

Crawford stayed in Ireland from 1641 to 1643. During this time, the English Civil War began in England. In 1643, the Earl of Ormonde made a truce, or "cessation," with the Irish Catholic Confederation. He then planned to send his troops to England to support the Royalists, who were fighting for King Charles I.

However, Crawford refused to fight alongside these troops. He did not want to fight against the Covenanters, who were Scottish Presbyterians. Because of his refusal, Ormonde had him arrested. But Crawford managed to escape and made his way to England.

Joining the Parliamentarian Army

Once in England, Parliament appointed Lawrence Crawford as Sergeant Major General of Foot. He joined the Parliamentarian Army of the Eastern Association, which was a special army raised in the eastern parts of England.

Almost immediately, Crawford had disagreements with the army's Lieutenant General, Oliver Cromwell. Their main argument was about Cromwell appointing officers who were Independents. Parliament had an agreement with the Scottish Covenanters that Presbyterianism would be the official religion in both countries. This meant Crawford was following the rules. However, neither general would back down. The army's commander, the Earl of Manchester, supported Crawford and the official rules.

Key Battles and Conflicts

In 1644, Manchester's army took part in the Siege of York. During the siege, Crawford used a mine to blow up part of the city walls. But he didn't have enough soldiers ready to attack through the gap. His men were pushed back and suffered many losses. Some people criticized Crawford for this. It's possible he thought the mine was about to be flooded by the defenders, so he set it off early rather than losing it completely.

On July 2, after York was saved by Prince Rupert of the Rhine, the famous Battle of Marston Moor was fought. Crawford's foot regiments (infantry) gave very important support to Cromwell's cavalry. Cromwell's cavalry played a big part in winning the battle. Some of Cromwell's enemies in Parliament later claimed that Crawford had commanded Cromwell's soldiers while Cromwell was injured or scared. But there was never any real proof for these claims, only rumors.

Later Service and Death

Even after the victory at Marston Moor, the disagreements between Crawford and Cromwell continued. Cromwell demanded that Crawford be removed from his position. However, he later withdrew this demand, saying it was necessary for the army. When Cromwell asked for an investigation into Manchester's actions after the Second Battle of Newbury, Crawford supported Manchester in the House of Commons.

When Parliament created the New Model Army, Crawford was offered command of one of its foot regiments. But he refused to join. He saw it as an army of Independents, which he disagreed with. Instead, he served in a smaller army called the "Western Association" under Edward Massey.

Lawrence Crawford was killed in August 1645 during the Siege of Hereford. He was shot by a Royalist sniper.