Robert Dalzell, 1st Earl of Carnwath facts for kids
Robert Dalzell, 1st Earl of Carnwath (1611 – 21 June 1654), also known as Robert Dalzell, 2nd Lord Dalzell from 1636 to 1639, was a Scottish noble. He was a strong supporter of the King during the English Civil War.
He married Christian Douglas first, and later Katherine Arington.
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Early Life and Titles
Robert Dalzell became the second Lord Dalzell in 1636 after his father passed away. In June 1638, he joined the Privy Council of Scotland. This was a group of important advisors to the King.
On April 21, 1639, King Charles I gave him even higher titles. Robert Dalzell became the Earl of Carnwath and Lord Dalzell and Liberton. These titles were part of the Peerage of Scotland. This meant they were special noble ranks in Scotland. The titles were meant to pass down to his male family members who carried the Dalzell name.
Challenges and Royalist Support
In 1643, a group called the Convention of the Scottish Estates accused Lord Carnwath. They claimed he had secretly helped the King against them. As a result, he had to pay a large fine of £10,000. His titles were also taken away.
On February 25, 1645, the Scottish Parliament even sentenced him to death. However, this sentence was never carried out. The Parliament also decided that his son, Gavin Dalzell, would get his father's lands and the title of Earl. This was as if his father had already died. So, in Scotland, Gavin was known as the second Earl of Carnwath. But those who supported the King still called Robert Dalzell the Earl of Carnwath.
Role in the English Civil War
Lord Carnwath continued to fight alongside King Charles I. He was present at the Battle of Naseby on June 14, 1645. This was a very important battle in the English Civil War.
During the battle, King Charles I rode forward to encourage his soldiers. Lord Carnwath, worried for the King's safety, grabbed his horse's bridle and pulled him back. Unfortunately, the King's soldiers misunderstood this action. They thought it was a signal to retreat. This confusion caused their battle line to break apart. This event helped the Parliament's side win the battle.
Imprisonment and Death
Lord Carnwath was captured after the Battle of Worcester in 1651. He was then held prisoner in the Tower of London for some time. He passed away on June 21, 1654.
