Sir Samuel Tuke, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir Samuel Tuke (born around 1615 in Essex, England – died January 26, 1674, in Somerset House, London) was an English officer who fought for the King's side (the Royalists) during the English Civil War. He was also a well-known writer of plays. He is most famous for his play The Adventures of Five Hours, which came out in 1663. This play was based on a Spanish story and was very popular, even influencing later works like The Duenna by Richard Brinsley Sheridan.

Early Life and Military Career

Samuel Tuke was the third son of George Tuke. He began studying law in 1635. Before the English Civil War started in 1640, he had already gained military experience fighting in Europe. By late 1642, he was an important officer, a major, in the Duke of York's Regiment. He served with William Cavendish's army in the north of England and fought in the big battle of Marston Moor.

Later, in 1645, he served in western England under George Goring. After some disagreements, he left the army. In 1648, he helped defend Colchester. When the town surrendered, he went into exile in France with Prince Charles, who would later become King Charles II. He stayed there during the time when England was ruled by the Protectorate. While in France, he met John Evelyn and became known for his cleverness. Around 1659, Samuel Tuke also changed his religion and became a Roman Catholic.

Return to England and Royal Service

When the King returned to England in the Restoration period, Samuel Tuke remained a favorite of King Charles II. The King made him a knight and then a baronet in 1664, which was a special honor. In 1661, he was sent to the French court to deliver the King's sympathy after the death of a powerful French leader, Cardinal Mazarin.

A Famous Playwright

The year 1661 also saw the first version of his most famous play, The Adventures of Five Hours. King Charles II himself had suggested that Tuke adapt this play from a Spanish comedy. The play first opened on January 8, 1663, at Lincoln's Inn Fields. Samuel Pepys, a famous diarist, watched it and wrote that it was "the best" play he had ever seen, even better than Othello. Samuel Tuke was also one of the writers of another play called Pompey the Great in 1664.

He was one of the first members of the Royal Society, a famous group for scientists and thinkers. He even wrote about how green Colchester oysters were bred for the Transactions of the Royal Society. He also supported Catholic people in the house of Lords, trying to help them with certain laws. Samuel Tuke died in 1674 at Somerset House and was buried there.

Family Life

Sir Samuel Tuke was married twice:

• In 1664, he married Mary Guldeford. She sadly died in 1666 in Paris.
• In 1668, he married Mary Sheldon. She worked for King Charles II's wife, Catherine of Braganza. Mary Sheldon later returned to Portugal with Queen Catherine in 1692 after Charles's death.

Samuel and Mary Sheldon had children, including their eldest son, Charles Tuke (1671–1690). Charles died from injuries he received while fighting in the Battle of the Boyne.

Sources

• Dictionary of National Biography article