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Sir Thomas Morgan, 1st Baronet
Major-General Sir Thomas Morgan 1604-1679.png
Sir Thomas Morgan, 1st Baronet
Lieutenant Governor of Jersey
In office
1665–1679
Deputy Commander-in-Chief Scotland
In office
1659–1660
Parliamentarian Governor of Gloucester
In office
June 1645 – January 1648
Personal details
Born 1604
Old Court, Llangattock Lingoed
Died 13 April 1679 (aged 74–75)
Old Court, Llangattock Lingoed
Spouse Delariviere Cholmondeley (1644
Military service
Rank Major-General
Battles/wars

Sir Thomas Morgan (1604 – 13 April 1679) was a brave soldier from Wales. He fought for the Parliament side during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, a big conflict in Britain. He helped bring back the king in 1660, an event called the Stuart Restoration. Because of his important role, he was given the special title of a baronet.

Early Life and Military Beginnings

Thomas Morgan was born in Wales in 1604. When he was 16, he spoke mostly Welsh. He joined a group of volunteers led by Sir Horace Vere. This group fought in the Thirty Years' War. This was a huge war in Europe.

Morgan fought in a region called the Low Countries. He helped the Dutch win a major battle. This was the Battle of the Slaak in 1631. His early experiences made him a skilled soldier.

Role in the English Civil War

Later, Thomas Morgan fought in the First English Civil War. He served under a famous leader named Thomas Fairfax. In 1645, he became the governor of Gloucester for the Parliament.

He captured important places in 1646. These included Chepstow Castle and Monmouth. He also helped surround Raglan Castle. These actions showed his military talent.

Service in Scotland and Flanders

From 1651 to 1657, Morgan worked with General George Monck. They were in Scotland together. During this time, he was promoted to major-general. This was a very high rank.

In 1657, he was second-in-command in Flanders. This area is now part of Belgium. He was honored with a knighthood in 1658. This meant he was called "Sir Thomas."

The Stuart Restoration

Sir Thomas Morgan rejoined General Monck in Scotland. They played a big part in the Stuart Restoration. This was when the king was brought back to power in 1660. Morgan's Scottish command was ended in December.

But he was rewarded for his loyalty. On February 1, 1661, he became a baronet. This was a special honor from the king.

Later Career and Legacy

Sir Thomas Morgan helped create the English Expedition to Portugal. This group helped Portugal fight against Spain. He was a key figure in this effort.

In 1665, he became the Governor of Jersey. Jersey is an island. He worked to fix the forts on the island. He also organized the local army, called the militia.

A book about his actions was published in 1699. It told stories of his time fighting in France and Flanders. His family home was Old Court, Llangattock Lingoed. This home was in Monmouthshire, Wales.

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