Thomas Tyldesley facts for kids
Sir Thomas Tyldesley (born 1612 – died 25 August 1651) was a brave soldier who supported King Charles I. He was a Royalist leader during the English Civil War.
Contents
Life of a Royalist Leader
Thomas Tyldesley was born on September 3, 1612, in Woodplumpton, England. He was the oldest of six children. His family lived at Morleys Hall in Astley.
Early Life and Military Career
Thomas first planned to study law at Gray's Inn. However, he soon became a professional soldier. He gained experience fighting in the Thirty Years' War in Germany. This was a big war that involved many European countries.
In 1634, he married Frances Standish. They had three sons and seven daughters. His family was Catholic, which was difficult at the time. His grandmother even helped a priest, Ambrose Barlow, hold secret church services.
Fighting for King Charles I
Sir Thomas Tyldesley was a strong supporter of King Charles I. When the English Civil War began, he quickly joined the Royalist side. He raised his own groups of soldiers, including horsemen, foot soldiers, and dragoons.
He fought in many important battles:
- He was a lieutenant colonel at the Battle of Edgehill. This was one of the first major battles of the war.
- He led a daring attack at the storming of Burton-on-Trent in 1643. For his bravery, the King made him a knight.
Sir Thomas continued to fight for the King throughout all three English Civil Wars. He was with Prince Rupert of the Rhine during the Bolton Massacre in 1644. He also served as the Governor of Lichfield. He never gave up fighting for the King, even when things were difficult.
Final Battle and Legacy
Sir Thomas Tyldesley was killed in action on August 25, 1651. He was fighting as a Major General under the Earl of Derby. This happened during the Battle of Wigan Lane.
He was buried in his family's chapel at Leigh Parish Church. His bravery and loyalty to King Charles I are still remembered today.
In Literature
A poem about Sir Thomas Tyldesley was written by Letitia Elizabeth Landon. It was called Sir Thomas Tyldesley and was published in 1839. The poem was inspired by an old picture of him.
