Valentine Walton facts for kids

Valentine Walton (born around 1594, died 1661) was an English politician. He was a member of the Parliamentarian group, also known as the Roundheads, during the English Civil War. He played a part in the trial of King Charles I of England.

Valentine Walton's Early Life and Political Career

Valentine Walton came from an old and respected family in Great Staughton, Huntingdonshire. He became a member of the Long Parliament, representing the county of Huntingdon.

When the English Civil War began, Walton joined the Parliament's army. He became a colonel and was even captured by the King's forces. However, he was later released. After this, he strongly supported the army's goals.

Walton's Connection to Oliver Cromwell

Valentine Walton married Margaret, who was the sister of Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell was a very important leader of the Parliamentarian army. Because of this family connection, Walton often supported Cromwell's plans. This included his role in the trial of King Charles I.

Role in the King's Trial

Walton was one of the 59 people chosen to be a judge at the trial of Charles I. These judges were called Commissioners. He attended most of the trial days in January 1649.

On January 27, 1649, Walton was present when the King was sentenced. He also signed the document that ordered the King's execution.

Life After the Monarchy

After the King's execution, England became a republic. This meant it was governed without a king. Valentine Walton was given important jobs during this time.

He was a member of the English Council of State in 1650, 1651, and 1652. This council helped to run the country. He was also made governor of places like King's Lynn and Croyland.

A True Republican

Walton believed strongly in a government without a king. He was a "republican," meaning he wanted to change the way England was ruled completely. He even turned down special titles offered by Oliver Cromwell when Cromwell became "Lord Protector." Cromwell, who was now in charge, sometimes worried about Walton. He even had Walton watched to make sure he didn't try to start a rebellion.

Later Years and Exile

When the Long Parliament returned to power, Walton gained more influence. He had seen how difficult it was for the army to govern the country. So, he chose to support Parliament over the military.

Parliament trusted him to help balance the power of General George Monck. However, Walton wasn't very skilled in politics for such a big task. He soon realized that the monarchy would likely be brought back.

To avoid trouble, Walton wisely left England. He moved to Hanau, in Germany, and became a citizen there. But he knew the royal family, especially the Queen, disliked him greatly. So, he left Hanau and hid in Flanders, pretending to be a gardener. He kept his location a secret until just before he died in 1661.

Consequences for Walton's Family

When the monarchy was restored, Parliament passed a law called the Act of Indemnity of 1660. This law listed people who would not be forgiven for their actions during the Civil War. Valentine Walton was on this list.

His property was taken away. A large part of what he owned actually belonged to the Queen. If he had been caught, he would have faced severe punishment.

Family Life

Valentine Walton was married twice. His first wife was Margaret, the sister of Oliver Cromwell. Their oldest son, also named Valentine, was a captain in Cromwell's army. Sadly, he was killed in the Battle of Marston Moor.

Walton's second wife was Friscis. She was the daughter of a man named Pym from Brill, Buckinghamshire. She was also the widow of a man named Austen. Friscis was left by her husband and died in poverty in Oxford in 1662. She was buried in St. Mary's church there.

Walton had children from one or both of his marriages. His children also faced hard times after the monarchy was restored.