Philip Skippon facts for kids
Philip Skippon (born around 1600 in West Lexham, Norfolk – died around February 20, 1660) was an important military leader during the English Civil War. He fought for the Parliament, which was the side that opposed King Charles I. Before the war in England, he gained a lot of experience fighting in religious wars in Europe. After the Civil War, during a time when England was without a king (called the Interregnum), he served as a member of Parliament and continued his military work. He also sometimes helped manage the government.
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Philip Skippon's Life and Military Career
Early Years and European Wars
Philip Skippon started his military career at a young age. In July 1620, he volunteered to join an expedition led by Sir Horace Vere. This group went to help Frederick V of Bohemia in a region called the Electorate of the Palatinate. Skippon served there until 1623. He even got married in 1622 during one of the sieges (when an army surrounds a city to capture it) in Frankenthal.
After that, he served Maurice of Nassau in the Netherlands, joining the army in 1625. He was wounded twice during sieges in Breda in 1625 and 1637. He also fought alongside his old commander, Lord Vere, at the attacks on 's-Hertogenbosch and Maastricht in 1629. By 1632, he was a sergeant major. He bravely led many attacks during the Maastricht siege. During this time, he also became very interested in religion. He wrote small religious books for his family.
Return to England and the Civil War
After 18 years of military experience, Captain Skippon returned to England in 1638. In 1639, King Charles I suggested he take a command in the Honourable Artillery Company in London. As the country moved closer to civil war, Parliament made him a major-general on January 10, 1642. He became the commander of London's local army, known as the London Trained Bands. This was done without the King's approval.
Just two days later, he gathered his troops to welcome five members of Parliament. These members had been targeted for arrest by King Charles. On May 13, Charles ordered Skippon to join him in York. But Skippon famously replied, "I desire to honour God and not to honour men." Parliament then declared the King's order illegal.
Leading the London Trained Bands
Skippon was not present at some early Parliamentarian defeats. However, he continued to train his men well. He then marched them out of London to join the main Parliamentarian army. This army was led by the Earl of Essex.
At the Battle of Turnham Green, Skippon encouraged his less-trained soldiers with powerful words. He told them to "pray heartily and fight heartily." He promised to face the same dangers as them. He reminded them that they were fighting "for God, and for the defence of yourselves, your wives, your children."
Within a week of this battle, the Earl of Essex made Skippon his Sergeant-Major-General. This important role meant he commanded the foot soldiers. He was also responsible for arranging the battle lines. In 1643, his religious writings from the Netherlands were published as The Christian Centurion. He published many such books for his troops to read.
Key Battles and Leadership
Because of his vast experience, Parliament was careful not to risk Skippon in early battles. However, he did serve with Essex at Gloucester. His first field command was on September 20, 1643. He commanded the left wing and reserves at the First Battle of Newbury.
Skippon continued to serve with Essex during the difficult Lostwithiel campaign. On September 1, 1644, when Essex and Lord Robartes fled, Skippon was left in command of 6,000 Parliamentarian soldiers there. The next day, with no hope of help, Skippon negotiated with King Charles. He got very fair terms for his forces. He then surrendered and marched his troops out of the town.
In October, he gathered the infantry from that force. He led them to the second Battle of Newbury. There, they held the center of the high ground near Stockcross. They even recaptured seven guns they had lost at Lostwithiel.
New Model Army and Post-War Service
Skippon was soon appointed Sergeant-Major-General of the New Model Army. This was a new, professional army created by Parliament. He was chosen because few others had his detailed military knowledge. He supported Thomas Fairfax, the army's commander, very loyally.
At the Battle of Naseby, Skippon led the center of the army. He was badly wounded but refused to leave the field until victory was certain. For his bravery, both Houses of Parliament thanked him. They even sent special doctors to help him recover. It took a long time before he was well enough to fight again. He later directed the siege of Oxford.
After the war, Skippon was chosen to lead an expedition to Ireland. However, the soldiers were unhappy and rebelled. This stopped the expedition, which Skippon had only accepted under great pressure. He remained involved in the army's activities.
Political Role and Later Life
Skippon tried to find a middle ground between different religious and political groups. He wanted to make a firm agreement with the King. However, the army leaders moved faster than he and Fairfax. Skippon was named as one of the judges for the King, but like Fairfax, he did not take part in the trial.
After the war, he became a Member of Parliament (MP) for King's Lynn in 1654, 1656, and 1658. This was during the time when England was a republic, known as the Commonwealth. He also held important military and government positions.
During the Rule of the Major-Generals, he commanded the London military district. He was very popular in London. He spoke little in Parliament. However, his comment about a religious figure named John Naylor is well-known: "If this be liberty, God deliver us from such liberty!" He was also a member of Cromwell's House of Lords. He was generally respected and liked by everyone.
When Oliver Cromwell died, the Parliament that had been restored made Skippon head of the London Militia again. However, his age and health problems prevented him from taking part in the changes that led to the return of the King (the Restoration). Philip Skippon died in March 1660.
Family Life
Philip Skippon first married Maria Comes in Frankenthal, Germany, on May 14, 1622. They had several children, but sadly, most of them did not live past infancy. Their children included Anna (born 1623, died 1624), Anna (born 1625), William (born 1628, died 1646/47), Marie (born 1631), Phillip (born 1633, died 1633), Susanna (born 1635), Luke (born 1638), and Philip (born 1641).
Their son and surviving heir, Philip, later became an MP for Dunwich. Philip Skippon's first wife, Maria, died in Acton on January 24, 1655/56. She had a monument in the church there.
Philip Skippon married a second time. His will mentions his widow, Dame Katherine Skippon. The will also refers to his son Philip and his daughters Anne Bragge, Mary Skippon, and Susan Meredith. Susan was married to Sir Richard Meredith, 2nd Baronet.
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Philip Skippon
