Roger Whitley facts for kids

Roger Whitley (born 1618 – died 17 July 1697) was an important figure in English history. He was a loyal supporter of the King during the English Civil War. This was a big conflict in England where people fought over who should rule the country. Roger Whitley became a high-ranking officer, a Major General, which meant he was second-in-command of the King's forces in places like the Isle of Anglesey.

After the war, when England was ruled by Parliament and not a king (a time called the Interregnum and Protectorate), Roger Whitley worked secretly. He helped plan for the King to return to power. He even went into exile with the young King Charles II. When the King was finally able to come back to England, Roger Whitley helped carry his orders to supporters, which led to the King's return, known as the Restoration.

Early Life and Education

Roger Whitley was born in 1618. He was one of the younger sons of Thomas Whitley, who lived in Hawarden, Flintshire. Roger went to Christ Church, Oxford, a famous university. Later, in 1637, he joined Gray's Inn, which was a place where people studied to become lawyers.

Supporting the King

Roger Whitley was a dedicated supporter of the King. From 1644, he worked as a Gentleman Usher of the Privy Chamber. This was a special role helping the King directly. After the King returned, Roger Whitley continued to serve in important positions.

• He became a Quarter-Master General in 1667. This job involved managing supplies and arrangements for the army.
• From 1670 to 1671, he was a Knight Harbinger. He helped arrange lodging and travel for important people, like the Prince of Orange.
• He also worked as a Deputy Postmaster-General from 1672 to 1677. This meant he helped manage the postal service.

A Life in Politics

Roger Whitley was very active in politics. He was elected to the Convention Parliament in 1660. This was a special Parliament that helped bring King Charles II back to the throne. After that, he was elected to almost every Parliament until 1690.

• From 1660 to 1681, he represented Flint, a town in north-east Wales, as a Member of Parliament (MP).
• Then, he became an MP for Chester. He served from 1681 to 1685 and again from 1689 to 1690.
• He was elected for Chester again in 1695 and remained an MP until he died two years later.

Roger Whitley was a well-known Whig politician. The Whigs were a political group who believed in a strong Parliament and limited power for the King. He was a very powerful person in Chester.

• He became a Freeman of Chester in 1666. This gave him special rights in the city.
• He served as an alderman, a senior member of the city council, from 1680 to 1684 and again from 1688 until his death.
• He was the city's treasurer from 1688 to 1689.
• He even became the Mayor of Chester from 1692 to 1696.
• He was also appointed Custos Rotulorum of Flintshire for a short time in 1689. This was a keeper of the county's records.
• From 1689 until his death, he was a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber, another role serving the King.

Family Life

Roger Whitley married Charlotte. She was the daughter of Sir Charles Gerard of Halsall, Lancashire, who was also the Earl of Macclesfield. Roger and Charlotte had a large family. They had three sons and six daughters.