Rowland York facts for kids

Rowland York (died 1588) was an English soldier. He was known for changing sides during wars, sometimes fighting for England and sometimes for Spain.

Early Life of Rowland York

Rowland York was one of many sons of Sir John York. In 1572, he joined a group of English volunteers going to the Netherlands. He sailed from Gravesend with two friends, the poet George Gascoigne and William Herle. Their ship almost sank on the way to Holland.

Once in the Netherlands, Rowland York joined the English camp. In August 1572, he helped in an attack on the city of Goes. He fought alongside Captain Humphrey Gilbert and Jerome Tseraerts, who worked for the Prince of Orange.

His Reputation and Choices

People had different opinions about Rowland York. Some thought he was brave and good at planning and acting quickly. However, others did not trust him. This was partly because he spent money freely and was a Roman Catholic at a time when England was mostly Protestant.

In 1580, he was reported to be in trouble with the law. Four years later, Rowland York was involved in a plan to hand over the city of Ghent to the Duke of Parma, who was leading the Spanish forces. The Prince of Orange wanted him punished severely. Instead, York was put in prison in Brussels. He was released when the city fell to the Duke of Parma in 1585.

Rowland York then fought for the Spanish side during the siege of Antwerp. After this, he was allowed to return to England.

Changing Sides

Back in England, Rowland York joined an expedition led by the Earl of Leicester. He managed to become friends with Sir Philip Sidney. The Earl of Leicester put York in charge of a fort called a "sconce" in Zutphen.

However, Rowland York used this chance to get back at the Earl of Leicester. He gave the Zutphen fort to the Spanish. He also convinced another English commander, Sir William Stanley, to give up the city of Deventer to the Spanish as well.

After this, Rowland York became a captain in the Spanish army. But he felt he was not rewarded enough for his actions. Because he was known for being a very bold person, some say the Spanish worried he might change sides again. To prevent this, it is believed they caused him to become very ill.

His Death

Rowland York died in Zutphen in February 1588. Three years later, his body was dug up. It was then put on public display in Zutphen by order of the local authorities, as a sign of disgrace.

His relative, Edmund Yorke, was later involved in a plot in 1595. He was accused of trying to harm Queen Elizabeth. Edmund had been convinced by Rowland York's old friend, Sir William Stanley, and another person named Jacques de Francesci. Edmund Yorke was arrested along with Patrick O'Collun and Richard Williams. All three were found guilty of serious crimes against the country and faced severe punishment.