Richard Ingoldsby facts for kids

Sir Richard Ingoldsby (born August 10, 1617 – died September 9, 1685) was an important English officer and politician. He served in the New Model Army during the English Civil War. He also worked in the House of Commons (like today's Parliament) for many years. He was one of the judges who signed the death warrant for King Charles I. But he was one of the few people involved who later received a pardon.

His Early Life

Richard Ingoldsby was born in 1617. He was the second son of Sir Richard Ingoldsby from Lethenborough in Buckinghamshire. His mother, Elizabeth, was the daughter of Sir Oliver Cromwell. This Sir Oliver Cromwell was the uncle and godfather of Oliver Cromwell, who later became the Lord Protector of England. This made Richard Ingoldsby a cousin of the famous Oliver Cromwell. Richard went to school at Lord Williams's School in Thame, Oxfordshire. He had many brothers and sisters.

Fighting in the Civil War

During the English Civil War, Richard Ingoldsby joined the army. He started as a captain in John Hampden's group. Later, he followed his cousin, Oliver Cromwell, into the New Model Army. There, he became a Colonel.

Joining the New Model Army

In May 1645, Ingoldsby was sent by Sir Thomas Fairfax to help the town of Taunton. He also took part in battles in the west of England. He helped capture important places like Bristol and Bridgewater. In 1646, his regiment was stationed in Oxford after the city surrendered.

Challenges and Mutinies

In 1647, there was a disagreement between the Parliament and the army. Ingoldsby's regiment supported the army. His group was ordered to be disbanded, meaning broken up. Money was sent to pay the soldiers, but it was later recalled. However, the money had already reached Oxford. The soldiers took the money by force.

Ingoldsby's regiment also spoke out against a peace treaty called the Treaty of Newport. They wanted the King to be punished. On October 4, 1647, Ingoldsby was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Wendover. He was also chosen as one of the judges for King Charles I's trial. He signed the King's death warrant.

In 1649, some of his own soldiers held him prisoner during a mutiny. Later, he helped stop another mutiny in Oxford. His regiment then left Oxford in May 1651. They joined the army that fought in the Battle of Worcester. This was the last major battle of the English Civil War.

A Career in Politics

In November 1652, Ingoldsby was chosen to be part of the English Council of State. This was an important governing body. He was elected as an MP for Buckinghamshire in 1654 and again in 1656. He also sat in a second part of Parliament, sometimes called Cromwell's Other House.

Supporting the Restoration

When Oliver Cromwell died in 1659, Ingoldsby supported Richard Cromwell as the new Lord Protector. Richard was his cousin. But when Parliament removed Richard, Ingoldsby decided to support General George Monck. Monck was working to bring back the English monarchy.

Ingoldsby started talking with people who supported King Charles II. Since he had signed the King's father's death warrant, Charles II would not promise to pardon him right away. Ingoldsby had to earn his pardon. He strongly supported Parliament against the army. In December 1659, he was thanked for taking Windsor Castle.

General Monck gave Ingoldsby command of a regiment in February 1660. He was sent to stop John Lambert from starting a new uprising. Lambert had escaped from prison and was trying to gather supporters. On April 22, Ingoldsby met Lambert's forces near Daventry. He arrested Lambert as he tried to run away. Ingoldsby brought Lambert back to London. The House of Commons thanked him on April 26, 1660. He was then elected MP for Aylesbury in the Convention Parliament.

Pardon and Knighthood

After the monarchy was restored, Ingoldsby received a pardon for signing the death warrant. This was partly because of his help to General Monck. He also said that his cousin Oliver Cromwell had forced him to sign it. He claimed Cromwell held his hand and made him write his name.

Because of this, he was not punished like others who signed the warrant. Instead, he was made a Knight of the Bath at the coronation of Charles II on April 20, 1661. He was re-elected as MP for Aylesbury and kept his seat until 1685.

Later Years

Sir Richard Ingoldsby passed away in 1685. He was buried in Hartwell Church, Buckinghamshire, on September 16, 1685. He was married to Elizabeth Lee. His nephew, also named Richard Ingoldsby, later became a commander in the army in Ireland.