Robert Peake (printer) facts for kids

Sir Robert Peake lived a long time ago, from about 1607 to 1667. He was an English man who sold printed pictures and was a strong supporter of the King during a big war in England. People who supported the King were called Royalists.

Robert Peake's Life

Robert Peake was the grandson of another famous person named Robert Peake the elder.

His Work as a Print-Seller

Robert Peake helped publish many printed pictures, also known as engravings. These were made by an artist named William Faithorne. William Faithorne had learned his skills from another artist, John Payne, and then worked with Robert Peake.

Fighting in the Civil War

When the English Civil War started, England was divided. Some people, called Royalists, supported King Charles I. Others, called Parliamentarians, supported the Parliament.

Robert Peake was a Royalist and fought for the King. He helped defend a very important place called Basing House. He was a leader there, working under John Paulet, 5th Marquis of Winchester. For his brave service in the war, King Charles I made him a knight on March 28, 1645. This meant he was called "Sir Robert Peake."

After the War

In October 1645, Basing House was captured by the Parliamentarians. Robert Peake was sent to London and held prisoner in places like Winchester House and Aldersgate.

Later, he was set free, but he had to leave England. This was because he refused to promise loyalty to Oliver Cromwell, who was leading England at the time.

Return to England

After the war ended and the King was put back on the throne in 1661 (this event is called the Restoration), Robert Peake returned to England.

King Charles II (the son of Charles I) gave him an important job. He made Peake a leader in the Honourable Artillery Company, which was a group that trained soldiers.

Robert Peake passed away in 1667 when he was about 75 years old. He was buried in a church called St Sepulchre in London.