Robert Werden facts for kids

Robert Werden (born around 1622, died 1690) was an important officer who supported the King during the English Civil War. After the King returned to power, Robert Werden continued to serve in the English Army. He also became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the city of Chester for many years.

Biography

Robert Werden was the son of John Werden and Katherine Dutton. His father, John Werden, passed away in 1646. Robert also had a sister named Katherine.

Before the English Civil War began, Robert's father, John, was chosen to help gather support for the King in Cheshire. Because of his father's influence, Robert became a colonel, leading a group of horse soldiers. Robert was known for being very active and brave. He helped defend the city of Chester, but he was hurt and captured during a fight on January 18, 1645. His father helped with the talks to surrender the town, signing the agreement on February 3, 1646.

After the war, John Werden asked to pay a fine for supporting the King. He said he had never fought against Parliament and had helped with Chester's surrender. The officials agreed and gave him a small fine of £600, considering his losses and help to Parliament members. This decision was approved by the House of Commons of England. Robert was included in this agreement. However, local officials were very upset, saying Robert was a "most violent enemy" who scared the whole country. But it was too late; the decision stood. Since John Werden had died, Robert Werden was officially cleared on February 12, 1647.

In 1648, Robert Werden's properties were taken away again because people thought he was planning against the government. A small part of his income was given to his wife to live on. On January 27, 1652, his properties were returned. But in 1655, people still doubted his loyalty. In 1659, he joined a rebellion by Royalists led by Sir George Booth. He was declared a traitor on August 9, and his belongings were taken on August 27. A few days before this, he was captured and sent to London for questioning. He managed to make peace with the government at the time, possibly by helping them against other Royalists.

When the King returned to power in England (this event is called the Restoration), Robert Werden was put in prison. He was accused of trying to capture the King after the Battle of Worcester in 1651 and of betraying George Booth in 1659. However, Booth and other important people from Lancashire helped him. He eventually received a pardon and got his properties back. In 1662, he became a special attendant to the Duke of York (who later became King James II). He also received lands in Pembrokeshire.

On June 4, 1665, he became a lieutenant in the Duke of York's guards. In May 1667, he was chosen to help manage the affairs of the Duke of Norfolk. On June 29, 1667, he was made a lieutenant and major in the Duke of York's guards. On October 2, 1672, he was promoted to lieutenant and lieutenant-colonel.

On February 10, 1673, Robert Werden was elected to Parliament for Chester. He kept this position until 1679. He was elected again for Chester on March 9, 1685, to the first Parliament of James II. On May 1, 1678, he became a brigadier of the horse soldiers. That summer, he served in Flanders against the French army. In 1679, he was made the comptroller of the Duke of York's household (meaning he managed the Duke's finances and staff).

When James II became King, Robert Werden was promoted on June 19, 1685, to "brigadier over all our forces." On July 31, he became a major-general. On October 24, he was given command of a regiment of horse soldiers, which is now known as the 4th Dragoon Guards. On November 8, 1688, he reached the rank of lieutenant-general. On September 15 of that year, when the town of Chester was reorganized by King James, Robert Werden was appointed a common councillor.

Even though he received many benefits from King James, Robert Werden left him during the Glorious Revolution in 1688. As a reward, he was given the job of treasurer to Queen Mary II. He passed away on January 23, 1690.

Family

Robert Werden was married twice. His first wife was Jane Backham, and his second wife was Margaret Towse. With his first wife, he had:

• John Werden (1640–1716), who became a politician and a baronet.
• Robert, a captain in the Royal Navy, who was sadly killed fighting against the Dutch at the Battle of Solebay on May 28, 1673. He was in command of HMS Henrietta.
• Katherine, who married Richard Watts.