Robert Needham, 2nd Viscount Kilmorey facts for kids

Robert Needham, 2nd Viscount Kilmorey (born around 1587 or 1588, died September 12, 1653) was an important English noble. He was a strong supporter of King Charles I during a big conflict called the English Civil War. People who supported the King were known as Royalists.

About Robert Needham

Robert Needham was born around 1598. His father was Sir Robert Needham, 1st Viscount Kilmorey, and his mother was Jane Lacy.

Early Life and Education

Robert went to school at Shrewsbury School. In 1614, he became a Member of Parliament for Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire. This meant he was chosen to represent that area in the English Parliament. In the same year, he was given the freedom of Shrewsbury, which was an honor. By 1627, he was working as a Justice of the Peace in Lancashire, helping to keep law and order. He held this job until at least 1630.

Becoming a Viscount

In 1631, Robert's father passed away. Robert then became the 2nd Viscount Kilmorey. He also inherited his family's large estate, Shavington Hall, in Shropshire.

Role in the English Civil War

When the English Civil War began, Robert Needham strongly supported the King, Charles I. He helped the King's side in both Cheshire and Shropshire. When the war started, he joined the soldiers defending the city of Chester. His son-in-law, John, Lord Byron, was in charge of these soldiers.

Even though his younger son was captured in a small fight in 1645, Robert managed to escape when the city of Chester was finally taken by the other side. He traveled to Oxford, which was still controlled by the King's army. When Oxford also surrendered in June 1646, Robert gave himself up.

After the War

Because he supported the King, Robert Needham was fined a large sum of money. He had to pay £3,560 for being a "Delinquent Royalist." This was a term used for people who had fought against Parliament. He was able to reduce his fine to £2,360 by promising to pay £90 each year to the minister of a church in Wrenbury, Cheshire.

Robert did not take part in the Second English Civil War. During the Third English Civil War, he was arrested when King Charles II led an army through Cheshire. Robert lived quietly after that. He died two years later, on September 12, 1653, in Dutton, Cheshire. His estates were passed on to his son, Robert, who became the 3rd Viscount.

Family Life

Robert Needham married Frances Anderson. Her father was Sir Henry Anderson, a well-known businessman from London. Robert and Frances had a son and two daughters, including:

• Robert
• Frances

Around 1623, Robert married Eleanor Dutton. Eleanor was the daughter of Thomas Dutton. She had been married before to Gilbert, Lord Gerard. Robert and Eleanor had twelve children together. One of their sons was Charles. Another daughter, also named Eleanor, later married John Byron, 1st Baron Byron.