Ratcliffe Gerard facts for kids
Ratcliffe Gerard (born around 1584 – died before 1670) was an English gentleman from Halsall, Lancashire. He owned land and was a soldier who fought for the King's side, known as the Royalists, during a big conflict called the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.
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Who Was Ratcliffe Gerard?
Ratcliffe Gerard and his twin brother, Gilbert, were the sons of Ratcliffe Gerard and Elizabeth Somerset. Elizabeth was the daughter of Sir Charles Somerset.
Joining the King's Army
Ratcliffe Gerard, along with his two sons, Gilbert and John, joined the Royalist army. This army supported King Charles I during the English Civil War. Ratcliffe was an important officer, a lieutenant-colonel, in his twin brother's group of soldiers.
Fighting for the King
Ratcliffe Gerard was present at Raglan Castle when it surrendered in 1646. This meant the Royalist forces there had to give up. Later, in 1651, he was one of the few English Royalists who continued to fight for King Charles II. He was captured during a battle called the Battle of Wigan Lane. By 1658, people knew him as a strong supporter of the King in Lancashire, even though he was not Catholic.
Ratcliffe's Family Life
Ratcliffe Gerard married a woman named Jennet Barret, who was the daughter of Edward Barret from Pembrokeshire. They had several children together.
His Children
- Gilbert (died 1687) became a special kind of noble called a Baronet of Fiskerton.
- John (1632–1654) was involved in a plan known as Gerard's conspiracy.
- Charles (born 1635)
