William Pelham (lord justice) facts for kids

Sir William Pelham, a leader in England's army.

Sir William Pelham (born around 1528 – died 1587) was an important English soldier. He also served as the Lord Justice of Ireland. This role was more about military leadership and politics than being a judge.

Early Life and Military Career

William Pelham was the third son of Sir William Pelham from Laughton, Sussex. His mother was Mary Sandys. His father passed away in 1538. When he was about 30, William became a captain of the engineers, known as "pioneers," during the siege of Leith in 1560. His team built a strong fort with four towers called "Mount Pelham." He was praised for his work there.

Later, in 1562, he led the pioneers at Le Havre in France. He helped capture Caen in 1563. After returning to Le Havre, he was hurt in a small fight. He also helped with the talks when Le Havre surrendered. Back in England, he worked on improving forts, especially at Berwick upon Tweed. He was trusted for his good judgment. He became the leader of the army's weapons and supplies, called the lieutenant-general of the ordnance. For several years, he focused on making England's defenses stronger.

In 1578, he went on a diplomatic trip to the Netherlands. The next year, he was sent to Ireland. His job was to organize defenses for an area called The Pale against attacks. He was made a knight by Sir William Drury. When Drury died, the Irish council chose Pelham to be the Lord Justice of Ireland for a short time.

Leading in Ireland

The region of Munster in Ireland was facing problems from the Second Desmond Rebellion. Gerald FitzGerald, 15th Earl of Desmond and his brother were causing trouble. Pelham tried to make peace, but it didn't work. So, he declared the Earl of Desmond a traitor. He then went back to Dublin.

Queen Elizabeth I was not happy about starting an expensive new war. Pelham explained his actions, but he still asked to leave his job. However, he was told to go back to Munster in January 1580. He faced delays in Waterford because of a lack of food. He decided to put Sir William Morgan in charge of some areas. Pelham then marched through Connello and Kerry to Dingle with the Earl of Ormonde.

Military Actions in Munster

Pelham carried out his plan very strictly. According to old records, he killed people without sorting out who was who. He then attacked Carrigafoyle Castle on March 25. Two days later, his forces took the castle and killed everyone inside. This made other garrisons, like the one at Askeaton, surrender quickly. Desmond's last fort, Ballyloughan, also fell.

Pelham set up his main base in Limerick. He placed soldiers throughout the Desmond area. His goal was to keep the fighting only in Kerry. He also worked with the navy, led by William Wynter, to try and starve the rebels into giving up. He called a meeting of leaders, but few showed up.

Pelham and Ormonde then went into Kerry together. They almost caught the Earl of Desmond and Nicholas Sanders at Castleisland. They searched the country as they went to Dingle. There, they met Admiral Winter. With Winter's help, Pelham searched the coast between Dingle and Cork. Ormonde attacked the inland areas. Many local leaders surrendered to Ormonde. At Cork, there was a big meeting, and most leaders were forgiven.

Pelham introduced something called "Pelham's Pardon." This was a harsh rule. It meant that a rebel could only surrender if they had killed another suspected rebel of higher rank.

Pelham was getting ready for another attack in Kerry. But then he heard that the new leader, Arthur Grey, 14th Baron Grey de Wilton, had arrived in Dublin. Pelham decided to go to Dublin himself to hand over his power. He was delayed by bad weather. On September 7, he officially gave up his role in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. He was sick and returned to England in October.

Later Years and Service in the Netherlands

In 1581, Pelham was given a task to move Mary, Queen of Scots. However, these plans changed, and Mary stayed with the Earl of Shrewsbury.

Pelham still held his job as the lieutenant-general of the ordnance. But he was in a lot of debt. Queen Elizabeth I did not want to forgive his debts. She made him pay them before he could serve in the Netherlands under Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester. After some arrangements, he joined Leicester in the Netherlands in July 1586.

Military Actions in the Netherlands

Leicester thought Pelham was a very good soldier. He made Pelham the marshal of the army. This upset other commanders. Pelham was wounded in the stomach by a shot while inspecting trenches near Doesburg. The wound was serious but not immediately fatal. He was still able to fight at Zutphen. It is said that Sir Philip Sidney was inspired by Pelham and took off his leg armor, which led to his own fatal wound. Pelham was also given the job of making the people of Deventer obey.

He returned to England with Leicester in April 1587 and went to Bath for treatment. He was sent back to the Netherlands with more soldiers in the autumn. However, he died shortly after arriving in Vlissingen on November 24, 1587.

Writings and Family Life

Pelham kept a detailed diary and official letters from his time as Lord Justice of Ireland. These are now kept in the Carew Manuscripts. He also wrote some poems for a book about new lands discovered by Sir Humphrey Gilbert. He wrote a paper about how to train people to use a type of gun called a "harquebuse" for England's defense.

Family and Legacy

Pelham married Eleanor Neville first. They had one son, also named Sir William Pelham, who took over after him.

By 1576, he had a second wife, Dorothy Pelham. Her father was Anthony Catesby. Dorothy had been married before to Sir William Dormer. Dorothy and Sir William Pelham had two sons and a daughter. Dorothy later made a gift that helped start the Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe.

Images for kids

• 

  Field Marshal Sir William Pelham, Lord Justice of Ireland (Hieronimo Custodis)