William Farrington (Royalist) facts for kids

William Farrington (died 1659) was an English politician. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1640. Farrington supported the King's side, known as the Royalists, during the English Civil War.

William Farrington came from a family that had owned land in Worden, Lancashire, for a very long time, since the 1300s. His grandfather, also named William Farrington, left him the family estate in 1610. William also bought another large piece of land, the manor of Leyland, in 1617.

Early Career and Politics

William Farrington worked as a secretary for Lord Strange. In 1636, he became the High Sheriff of Lancashire. This was an important job, like a chief law enforcement officer for the county.

In April 1640, William Farrington was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Lancashire. He served in a short meeting of Parliament known as the Short Parliament.

Role in the English Civil War

When the English Civil War began, William Farrington strongly supported King Charles I. He was named a "commissioner of array," which meant he helped gather soldiers and supplies for the King's army. People on the Parliament's side said he was very active in helping the Royalists.

Farrington became a colonel in the new Lancashire Militia, a local army group. In 1642, his servant helped capture gunpowder in Preston. Farrington then joined Lord Strange at the attack on Manchester.

He was a main advisor to the Countess of Derby. She bravely defended Lathom House against the Parliament's forces during the Siege of Lathom House. Because of his strong support for the King, Parliament took away his family's land.

In 1646, Farrington was captured and became a prisoner. After this, he made an agreement to get his estates back. He did not take part in any more fighting.

Family and Later Life

William Farrington passed away in 1659. He was married to Margaret Worrell. They had three sons and three daughters. His oldest son, also named William, continued to support the Royalist cause. He was later given the title of Knight of the Royal Oak.