William Balfour (general) facts for kids
Sir William Balfour (born around 1578 – died 1660) was a skilled Scottish soldier. He fought in a huge European conflict called the Thirty Years War. Later, he joined the Parliamentarian side during the War of the Three Kingdoms in Britain.
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Early Life and Military Career
Sir William Balfour came from an important Scottish family called the Balfours in Fife, Scotland. His father was Colonel Henry Balfour.
Sir William started his military career fighting for the Dutch army during the Thirty Years' War. He was part of the Scottish brigade until 1627. After that, he became a high-ranking officer, a lieutenant-colonel, in the Earl of Morton's regiment. He even took part in an important mission to the Isle of Rhé to help during the Siege of La Rochelle. He was well-regarded by the powerful Duke of Buckingham.
Serving the King and a Big Change
In 1628, King Charles I asked Sir William to gather 1,000 horse soldiers (cavalry) from Friesland. However, the English Parliament, especially the House of Commons, became suspicious of this plan. The King had to promise that these soldiers would not be used in England, and the plan was dropped.
In 1630, Sir William was given a very important job: Lieutenant of the Tower of London. This meant he was in charge of the famous Tower of London. He was also one of the King's personal assistants. The King showed him many favors, even giving him a special permission in 1633 to make gold and silver money at the Tower.
However, things changed. When the Long parliament began, Sir William, who was a strong Presbyterian (a type of Protestant Christian), started to support the Parliament. He was very much against popery (how Roman Catholicism was often referred to back then). This strong religious belief likely influenced his decision to switch sides and become friendly with those who opposed the King's court.
A Difficult Decision and New Loyalties
Sir William Balfour was put in charge of guarding a very important prisoner, Earl of Strafford. He was offered a huge amount of money, £20,000, and a good marriage for his daughter if he would help Strafford escape. But Sir William refused. He also wouldn't let Captain Billingsley and his suspicious soldiers into the Tower. Because of this, King Charles I persuaded or forced Sir William to resign from his post in December 1641.
When Parliament decided to create its own army, Sir William was appointed as the lieutenant-general of the horse (the cavalry commander). He fought bravely at the Battle of Edgehill, where he helped break through the King's army and capture some of their cannons. People praised his actions in this battle.
Later Battles and Retirement
In 1644, Sir William was sent with 1,000 horse soldiers to help another Parliamentarian commander, Sir William Waller. They fought together and won a major victory at the New Alresford. Sir William's letter describing this battle was even printed for everyone to read.
He then rejoined the main Parliamentarian army and went with them into Cornwall. He helped capture the towns of Weymouth and Taunton in June 1644. When the Parliamentarian foot soldiers were forced to surrender, Sir William and his cavalry managed to break through the King's lines. They rode over 100 miles through enemy territory and successfully joined up with another general, General Middleton.
Sir William Balfour's last major battle was the Second Battle of Newbury, where he commanded the right side of the Parliamentarian cavalry. After this, when the New Model Army was formed, he retired from military service. The Parliament recognized his loyal service and discussed giving him a reward and paying him money he was owed.
Sir William Balfour was buried at the Church of St Margaret, Westminster Abbey on July 28, 1660.
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