Leonard Dacre facts for kids

Leonard Dacre (born around 1533 – died August 12, 1573) was an English nobleman. He was known for being one of the leaders who supported the Northern Rebellion against Queen Elizabeth I.

Early Life and Family

Leonard Dacre was the second son of William Dacre, 3rd Baron Dacre of Gilsland. His older brother was Thomas Dacre, 4th Baron Dacre. The Dacre family was very important and powerful in the northern part of England, especially in a region called Cumberland. They were one of the oldest and strongest families near the border with Scotland.

Leonard Dacre was born around the year 1533. As he grew up, he became a representative for Cumberland in the English Parliament. He served in this role in 1558, 1559, and 1563.

Family Troubles and Royal Connections

Leonard Dacre became involved in a plan to help Mary, Queen of Scots, who was imprisoned by Queen Elizabeth. He wrote friendly letters to Mary in 1566, showing his support for her.

In 1569, a sad accident happened. Leonard's young nephew, George Dacre, 5th Baron Dacre, died. George was still a teenager when he was accidentally killed by a falling wooden vaulting-horse. At the time, George's care and lands were managed by Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk.

After George's death, his three sisters became the legal owners of the Dacre family lands. These sisters were married to the three sons of the Duke of Norfolk. Leonard Dacre was very upset by this. He felt that the family's valuable lands should have stayed with him, rather than going to his nieces and their husbands.

Involvement in Rebellion

When the Northern Rebellion began in 1569, Leonard Dacre went to Queen Elizabeth's court. Even though the Queen had heard rumors that he was secretly working with the rebel leaders, she met with him. Dacre told the Queen he was loyal to her. He then returned to the north, pretending to be on Queen Elizabeth's side. Some historians believe he was actually planning his own moves.

The main rebel group suffered a big defeat near Hexham. This made Dacre realize their cause was failing. So, he decided to secure his own position. He took control of Greystoke Castle and other Dacre family homes. He also made Naworth Castle very strong, claiming it as his own. He gathered about three thousand soldiers, who were loyal to the Dacre family and lived near the border.

Facing the Queen's Forces

At first, some of the Queen's commanders, like Thomas Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex, even praised Dacre for his actions against the rebels. However, others, like Henry le Scrope, 9th Baron Scrope of Bolton, were more careful. They suspected Dacre.

On January 20, 1570, Lord Scrope was ordered to arrest Dacre. But Dacre was safely inside Naworth Castle, which was very difficult to attack. Scrope tried to trick Dacre into coming to Carlisle for a meeting. Dacre was too smart for this. He replied that he was sick with a fever and couldn't leave his bed. But he invited Scrope and his friends to dinner at Naworth, promising them his best advice.

On February 15, Henry Carey, 1st Baron Hunsdon, received orders from the Queen to arrest Dacre. The important battle that decided Dacre's future happened on February 20. Lord Hunsdon and Sir John Forster arrived at Naworth Castle at dawn. They found it too strong to attack directly. So, they decided to march to Carlisle to join forces with Lord Scrope.

Dacre followed them for about four miles to the banks of the Gelt River. His soldiers charged Hunsdon's forces. This fight is now known as the Battle of Gelt Bridge. Dacre's loyal followers fought bravely. Lord Hunsdon himself said it was "the proudest charge upon my shot that ever I saw." However, Dacre's attack was stopped. Even though Hunsdon's forces were outnumbered, his cavalry charged Dacre's foot soldiers. Between 300 and 400 of Dacre's men were killed, and 200 to 300 were captured. Leonard Dacre managed to escape, even though he was closely chased.

Later Life and Exile

After his defeat, Leonard Dacre fled to Bedrule Castle in Scotland. He is believed to have attended a meeting with Scottish nobles in April 1570. Soon after, he moved to Flanders, a region in modern-day Belgium.

In 1571, he was reported to have asked the Duke of Alva, a Spanish general, for weapons. In June 1572, he was in a city called Mechlin. That same year, he wrote to Jane Dormer, Duchess of Feria, asking her to convince Philip II of Spain to take stronger action against England. Dacre felt that the English exiles living abroad had lost hope. At this time, he was receiving a pension of one hundred florins per month from King Philip II.

Leonard Dacre died in Brussels, Belgium, on August 12, 1573. He was about 40 years old. His death was recorded on a stone in the church of St. Nicholas in Brussels.