Sir Francis Wortley, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Sir Francis Wortley, 1st Baronet (1591–1652) was an English poet and politician. He was a strong supporter of the Royalist side during the English Civil War. He also served as a member of the House of Commons.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sir Francis Wortley was born in 1591. His father was Sir Richard Wortley, who owned Wortley Hall in Yorkshire. Francis took over the family estates when his father passed away in 1603.
He went to Magdalen College, Oxford, a famous university, in 1609 when he was 17. Later, in 1624, he also studied law at Gray's Inn in London.
Titles and Political Career
Francis Wortley received important honors early in his life. In 1611, he was made a knight, which meant he could be called "Sir Francis." Later that same year, he was given the title of Baronet. This was a new title at the time, similar to a knight but passed down through the family.
He became involved in politics and was elected as a Member of Parliament (MP) for East Retford. He served in the House of Commons in 1624, 1625, and 1626. As an MP, he helped make laws and represent his area.
Role in the English Civil War
Sir Francis Wortley was a very loyal supporter of King Charles I during the English Civil War. This war was fought between the King's supporters (called Royalists or Cavaliers) and the Parliament's supporters.
When the war officially began in 1642, Sir Francis was one of the key leaders chosen to raise the King's flag in Nottingham. This was a big moment, as it marked the start of the King's army. He also gathered his own group of soldiers on horseback and made his home, Wortley Hall, stronger to defend it. He helped King Charles II during the Siege of Hull (1642), a major battle in the war.
Imprisonment and Writings
In 1644, Sir Francis was captured near Wakefield. He was then sent to the Tower of London, a famous prison, where he stayed from 1644 to 1648. While he was in prison, his family's lands were taken away, and he had to pay a large fine.
Even though he was imprisoned, Sir Francis continued to write. He published a book of poems called Characters and Elegies in 1646. He was also a friend of the famous writer Ben Jonson and contributed to a book honoring Jonson in 1638.
Later Life and Family
Sir Francis Wortley passed away in 1652. He asked to be buried with his father in Windsor.
He was married twice. His first wife was Grace Brouncker. Later, he married Hester Eyre. His son, also named Francis, inherited his title and estates.
