Robert Phayre facts for kids

Colonel Robert Phaire (born around 1619, died 1682) was an important soldier in the 1600s. He served in both the Irish Protestant army and the New Model Army in England. He was involved in the events that led to the execution of King Charles I. However, he avoided harsh punishment later on because he married the daughter of Sir Thomas Herbert. Sir Thomas was a loyal helper to King Charles I. Robert Phaire also became a follower of a religious group called the Muggletonians in 1662.

Some of his family later changed their last name to Phair. However, the main family line kept the spelling Phaire until the early 1800s. Then, they changed it to Phayre.

Who Was Robert Phaire?

Robert Phaire was born around 1619. His father, Revd Emmanuel Phaire, was a priest from Devonshire, England. His father moved to Ireland and became a rector (a type of priest) in Kilshannig, County Cork, in 1612.

Early Military Career

Robert Phaire and his father were living in Duhallow, County Cork, when the Irish Uprising began in 1641. They both lost property and money during this time. Robert Phaire estimated his losses at about £51 10s.

Like many Protestants, he joined forces with Murrough O'Brien, 1st Earl of Inchiquin to fight against the Confederates. By September 1646, he had become a lieutenant-colonel. In February 1648, he was arrested with three other officers. This happened because they refused to join a royalist uprising. In December, he joined the New Model Army.

Robert Phaire and the King's Execution

In January 1649, Robert Phaire was an officer in London. He was one of three officers who received the official paper for the execution of King Charles I. This paper was given on January 29, 1649. He was present on January 30 when the final instructions for the executioner were prepared. However, Robert Phaire did not sign the actual order to the executioner.

Fighting in Ireland

In April 1649, Robert Phaire was given command of a regiment (a group of soldiers) from Kent. His mission was to join Oliver Cromwell's journey to Ireland. In November, the town of Youghal surrendered to him. He was then made a commissioner for settling the area of Munster.

On April 10, 1650, he fought in the Battle of Macroom. This battle was a victory against royalist forces. The next year, in 1651, he became the governor of County Cork. He held this important position until 1654.

Life After the King's Execution

Robert Phaire believed in a republic, where the country is ruled by elected officials, not a king. He was not happy with the rule of the army officers. He seemed to have retired to Rostellan Castle in County Cork.

In 1656, it was reported that Phaire was attending meetings of the Quaker religious group. He did not officially become a Quaker. However, one of his daughters from his first marriage did marry a Quaker.

Family Connections

It is interesting that Robert Phaire's second wife was Elizabeth. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Herbert, 1st Baronet. Sir Thomas was known for being a loyal helper to King Charles I during his final days. Robert and Elizabeth were married on August 16, 1658, in Dublin.

What Happened After the Monarchy Returned?

When the monarchy was restored in England, Robert Phaire was arrested in Cork on May 18, 1660. He was sent to prison in Dublin, then moved to London. In June, he was sent to the Tower of London.

He likely survived and was treated well because of his connection to Sir Thomas Herbert. Also, a religious leader named Bishop Clancarty, whose life Phaire had saved, spoke up for him. In December, his Irish properties were returned to him. He was also allowed to move freely within the Tower of London.

On July 3, 1661, he was released for one month. He had to promise to stay near Sir Thomas Herbert's house in Westminster. He was later allowed to go to the countryside for his health. By February 1662, he seemed to have gained his full freedom.

Becoming a Muggletonian

During this time, Robert Phaire met Lodowicke Muggleton. Phaire decided to follow Muggleton's religious beliefs. In 1662, he brought Muggleton to Sir Thomas Herbert's house. Phaire's wife also became a follower. Their daughters, Elizabeth and Mary, and their son-in-law, George Gamble, also joined the group.

On April 6, 1665, Phaire was living in Cahermore, County Cork. He was visited by Valentine Greatrakes, who was known for healing people by touching them. Greatrakes had served in Phaire's regiment in 1649. Greatrakes quickly cured Phaire of a fever.

In 1666, Phaire was thought to be involved in a plan to take over Dublin Castle. Both Phaire and his family wrote letters to Muggleton. Phaire's first letter to Muggleton was dated March 20, 1670. His second letter, from Dublin on May 27, 1675, was sent by Greatrakes.

Robert Phaire's Death

Robert Phaire died at the Grange, near Cork, in 1682, probably in September. He was buried in a Baptist graveyard in Cork. His will, a legal document about his wishes, was dated September 13, 1682, and approved in November.

Robert Phaire's Family

Robert Phaire's first wife's name is not known. They had several children:

• Onesiphorus (died 1702), who married Elizabeth Phaire.
• Elizabeth, who married Richard Farmer.
• Mary, who married George Gamble (who was also a Muggletonian).

With his second wife, Elizabeth Herbert, Robert Phaire had three sons and three daughters. Elizabeth was still alive on May 25, 1686. Their sons were:

• Thomas (died 1716), who became a Lieutenant-Colonel in the Army. He married Alicia Purdon and had children.
• Alexander Herbert (died 1752).
• John.