William Eyre of Neston facts for kids
William Eyre of Neston was an important figure during the English Civil War. He lived in Wiltshire, England, and was active between 1642 and 1660. Eyre was a soldier and a politician who supported the Parliament against the King.
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William Eyre's Role in the English Civil War
William Eyre fought for the Parliament's side during the English Civil War. This war was a big conflict in England between those who supported the King and those who supported the Parliament.
Rising Through the Ranks
Eyre started his military career as a captain. A captain leads a group of soldiers called a company. He might have later become a colonel. A colonel is a much higher rank, leading many soldiers. He likely held this higher rank in the local army, known as the Wiltshire militia.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1648, William Eyre became a politician. On November 29, 1648, he was chosen to represent the town of Chippenham in Parliament. He officially joined the Parliament, which was then called the Rump Parliament, on January 15, 1649. The Rump Parliament was a special Parliament that continued to meet after some members were removed.
End of His Military Command
Later, when a new government period called the Protectorate ended, the Rump Parliament was brought back. They made William Eyre a colonel again. He was put in charge of a group of soldiers that used to be led by General John Lambert.
However, things changed when General George Monck became powerful. Monck wanted to bring back the King to rule England. He believed that William Eyre and some other officers did not support this idea. Because of this, Eyre was removed from his command. This happened as England moved towards the restoration of the monarchy.
