William Legge (Royalist) facts for kids
William Legge (born around 1608 – died 13 October 1670) was an English army officer and a politician. He was a close friend and helper of Prince Rupert of the Rhine, who was an important leader during the English Civil War.
Early Life and Military Start
William Legge was the oldest son of Edward Legge. His godfather, Henry Danvers, 1st Earl of Danby, brought him to England. William learned a lot about military strategies and fighting by traveling and working in armies in other parts of Europe.
In 1638, William was given an important job: to check the defenses of cities like Newcastle and Hull and make sure they were ready for battle. He was also put in charge of the king's weapons and cannons as the Master of the Armoury and lieutenant of the ordnance, especially for the First Bishops' War.
In 1641, William Legge became involved in secret plans to use the army to support King Charles I against Parliament. He was questioned about these plans but wasn't seriously punished at first. Later, the King asked him to get soldiers to sign a paper against Parliament's leaders. This was part of what was called the "Second Army Plot." In 1642, the King tried to take control of Hull, and William Legge was sent to help, but they were not successful.
English Civil War Role
When the First English Civil War began, William Legge joined the King's army. He was captured in a small fight in Warwickshire in August 1642. Parliament sent him to prison, but he managed to escape in October and rejoined King Charles I.
William Legge then became very close to Prince Rupert. He was injured and captured again during an attack on Lichfield in April 1643. He was also briefly captured during the Battle of Chalgrove Field. After the first Battle of Newbury in 1643, the King gave him a special sword and wanted to make him a knight. In 1644, Prince Rupert made him the temporary leader of Chester.
After another leader, Sir Henry Gage, died in 1645, Legge became the leader of Oxford. He was also made a "Groom of the Bedchamber," which meant he was a close personal assistant to the King. During his time in charge, Oxford was surrounded by Parliament's army. William Legge lost his command when Prince Rupert lost favor with the King for giving up Bristol too quickly. However, when the King returned to Oxford, Legge was released and continued to serve as a Groom of the Bedchamber. He tried to help Prince Rupert and the King make up.
After Oxford fell to Parliament's forces in 1646, Legge went abroad. He returned to England in 1647 to be with the King, who was then held by the army. William Legge helped the King escape from Hampton Court and stayed with him during his flight to the Isle of Wight. Parliament wanted Legge and his friends arrested, but they were allowed to stay with the King for a while. Later, Legge was captured and held in Arundel Castle.
William Legge promised not to fight against Parliament and was released. King Charles I sent him on a mission to Ireland. However, after the King was defeated and executed, Legge was captured at sea in 1649 and imprisoned for a long time. In 1653, he was allowed to go abroad, promising not to cause trouble for the government. In 1659, he was back in England, planning a return for the King, but he was captured again and held in the Tower of London.
The King Returns
When King Charles II returned to England in 1660, he offered to make William Legge an earl, but Legge said no. King Charles II gave him back his old jobs as Groom of the Bedchamber and Master of the Armouries. He also made him the Lieutenant-General of the Ordnance, which meant he was second in command of all the King's weapons and cannons. He also received land and a pension for his wife. From 1661 to 1670, he was a Member of Parliament for Southampton.
Family Life
On 2 March 1642, William Legge married Elizabeth Washington. Her father, Sir William Washington, was the older brother of Lawrence Washington, who was the great-great-grandfather of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Elizabeth's mother was also related to George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, a favorite of King James I.
William Legge passed away at his home on 13 October 1670. He was buried in the church of Holy Trinity, Minories.
William and Elizabeth Legge had three sons and two daughters. Their oldest son, George, became Baron Dartmouth in 1682. Another son, William, became a Member of Parliament for Portsmouth in 1685.
