Thomas Wogan facts for kids

Thomas Wogan was a Welsh politician born around 1620. He was a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to help make laws for the country. He is most known for being one of the people who signed the death warrant for King Charles I.

Thomas Wogan's Early Life and Role

Thomas Wogan was the son of Sir John Wogan, who was also a Member of Parliament for Pembrokeshire. Sir John was also a High Sheriff, a very important local official.

In 1646, Thomas Wogan was elected as a Member of Parliament for Cardigan Boroughs. This was during a time of great change and conflict in England, known as the English Civil War.

Fighting for Parliament

During the Second English Civil War, Thomas Wogan fought for the side of Parliament. In 1648, he took part in the Battle of St Fagans. After this battle, he was given some of his overdue pay. He was also promoted to the rank of Colonel. A Colonel is a high-ranking officer in the army. He was also made the governor of Aberystwyth Castle.

A Major Decision: The King's Trial

Thomas Wogan was a strong supporter of the army and Parliament. Because of this, he was chosen to be a commissioner for the High Court of Justice. This court was set up to try King Charles I.

Wogan attended the trial every day. In January 1649, he was one of 59 people who signed the King's death warrant. This made him one of the "regicides," meaning someone involved in the killing of a king.

Life After the King's Trial

After the King's execution, during a period when England was a republic (without a king), Wogan received the rest of his back pay. He was given land in Ireland as payment. He was not very active in the government at this time. He might have disagreed with some of the new leaders.

When the monarchy was brought back in 1660, King Charles II became king. Thomas Wogan was not included in the general pardon for those who had opposed the King. This meant he could still be punished.

He gave himself up to the authorities. Even though he was late, his surrender was accepted. He was one of 19 people who were saved from immediate execution. His lands near Haverfordwest were taken away from him.

Escape and Life Abroad

In 1664, it was reported that Thomas Wogan had escaped from Cliffords Tower in York. A public announcement was made to try and arrest him.

He went to the Netherlands, a country across the sea. There, he joined other people who were against the English government. There were rumors that he secretly returned to England to try and start a rebellion. However, there was no proof of this. He was later seen in Rotterdam. The last known mention of him was in September 1666. At that time, he was said to be in Utrecht, still involved in political discussions.

Thomas Wogan's Family

There is no clear information about whether Thomas Wogan was married. Some stories about him returning to Wales and dying there might not be true. However, in 1669, a woman was put in jail for trying to collect money for him in his home area of Pembrokeshire.