Sir James Long, 2nd Baronet facts for kids
Sir James Long, 2nd Baronet (born around 1617 – died 22 January 1692), was an English politician and a Royalist soldier. This means he supported King Charles I during the English Civil War.
He was born in South Wraxall, Wiltshire. His father was Sir Walter Long, and his mother was Anne Ley. James studied at Magdalen College, Oxford. When his father passed away in 1637, James inherited his family's lands in Wiltshire, including the Draycot Cerne estate.
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Sir James Long's Life and Work
Sir James Long held several important roles during his life. He was an officer in the Royalist Army from 1642 to 1646. He also served as the High Sheriff of Wiltshire in 1644, which was a key local government position.
Later, in 1663, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers. He also served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Malmesbury several times. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's government.
From 1673 to 1685, he was a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber. This was a position close to the King. In 1675, he became a Deputy-Lieutenant for Wiltshire. This role involved helping to organize the local military.
In 1673, Sir James became the 2nd Baronet after his uncle, Sir Robert Long, passed away. A Baronet is a title of honor, similar to a knight, that can be passed down through the family.
Captured During the Civil War
Sir James joined the King's army at the start of the English Civil War. He became a Colonel, leading a group of horse soldiers.
In 1645, he was escorting the Prince of Wales (who later became King Charles II) to Bristol. On his way back, he was chased by Parliamentarian forces. These were soldiers who supported Parliament against the King. The Parliamentarian leaders were William Waller and Oliver Cromwell. Sir James was captured, but he was soon set free in an exchange.
Around this time, his family's estate at Draycot was taken by Parliament. However, it was given back to him in 1649 after he paid a fine of £700. Later, Oliver Cromwell, who became the leader of England, met Sir James. Cromwell liked Sir James's company and invited him to go hawking (a type of hunting with birds). This made some of the King's loyal supporters suspicious of Sir James.
Family Life
Sir James Long married twice. His first wife was Anne Dodington, but they did not have any children.
Around 1640, he married his second wife, Dorothy Leche. They had five daughters and one son. Their children included:
- Anna Margaretta (born around 1641 – died 1717)
- Dorothy (born around 1650)
- James Long (born 1652 – died around 1690)
Death and Succession
Sir James Long passed away on 22 January 1692. He was succeeded as the 3rd Baronet by his 19-year-old grandson, Robert Long. Sadly, Robert died just four days after his grandfather. Robert's brothers, Giles and James, then became the 4th and 5th Baronets.
The title of Baronet for the Long family ended in 1805. This happened when the 8th Baronet, who was only 10 years old, passed away.
James Long, Sir James's Son
Sir James's only son, James Long, lived at Athelhampton House in Dorset. He inherited this house from Sir Robert Long in 1673.
James Long married Susanna Strangways. They had three daughters (Susan, Dorothy, and Anne) and three sons (Robert, Giles, and James).
After Susanna passed away, James Long married again. His second wife was Mary Keightley, and they had one daughter. James Long died in 1689.
