Robert Danvers facts for kids

Robert Danvers (born October 19, 1624 – died 1674) was an English soldier and landowner. He was also known by the names Wright, Howard, and Villiers. He briefly served in the English Parliament in 1659 and 1660. Robert Danvers was known for changing his name and his beliefs several times throughout his life. He supported different sides during the difficult times in England, including the Royalists, Parliamentarians, and later, both the restored monarchy and those who opposed it.

Robert Danvers: A Life of Change

Early Life and Shifting Loyalties

Robert Danvers was born in 1624. His mother was Frances Coke, Viscountess Purbeck. She was the wife of John Villiers, 1st Viscount Purbeck. His biological father was likely Sir Robert Howard. Robert was first known as Robert Wright. His mother was the daughter of Sir Edward Coke.

From Royalist to Parliamentarian

When the English Civil War began, Robert's mother brought him back to England. Lord Purbeck, his mother's husband, agreed to accept him as his son. This is when Robert started using the name Villiers. As Robert Villiers, he fought for King Charles I at the Battle of Edgehill. In 1643, he became a colonel in the King's army. He was also made governor of Oswestry.

However, in 1644, he was removed from his position by Prince Rupert. After this, Robert Villiers changed his religious views to Presbyterian. He then decided to support Parliament. When his mother passed away in 1645, he inherited her lands. He had to pay large fines because of his earlier support for the King. It took until 1653 for his lands to be fully free from government control.

On November 23, 1648, Robert Villiers married Elizabeth Danvers. She was the daughter of Sir John Danvers. They had two sons and three daughters. After his marriage, he took on the name Danvers. This was allowed by Oliver Cromwell in 1655, because the Villiers family had supported the King. When Lord Purbeck died in 1658, Robert did not try to claim the title of Viscount.

Time in Parliament

In 1659, Robert Danvers was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Westbury, Wiltshire. He served in the Third Protectorate Parliament. However, he was later removed because he was seen as a supporter of the King.

In April 1660, he was elected again, this time for Malmesbury. He served in the Convention Parliament. After King Charles II returned to the throne, Robert Danvers faced questions. These were about things he had said about the previous King. There was a discussion in Parliament about his rights as a Member. On June 15, 1660, he was called to the House of Lords. He argued that he was not a peer (a noble with a title). On July 27, he was released on bail. On December 27, 1660, he promised his loyalty to the new King.

Later Life and Final Years

Before a small uprising in January 1661, Robert Danvers spoke out against the monarchy. He was put in the Tower of London. He was still there in July 1662 when his wife visited him. While imprisoned, they were officially allowed to use the name and family symbols of Danvers.

Later, he was moved to a prison in York. He managed to escape in 1664. During the Second Anglo-Dutch War, he was imprisoned again on the Isle of Wight. In 1668, he was given special freedom in Wycombe. He was forced to leave England to avoid people he owed money to. Robert Danvers died in Calais, France, in 1674. He was buried there as a Roman Catholic.