William Widdrington, 1st Baron Widdrington facts for kids
William Widdrington, 1st Baron Widdrington (born July 11, 1610 – died September 3, 1651) was an important English landowner and politician. He was a member of the House of Commons from 1640 to 1642. Later, he became a peer, which meant he was given a special title and a seat in the House of Lords. William Widdrington fought for the King's side, known as the Royalists, during the English Civil War. He sadly died in battle in 1651.
Biography
Early Life and Politics
William Widdrington was born on July 11, 1610. His father was Sir Henry Widdrington, a landowner from Widdrington, Northumberland. His mother was Mary Curwen.
In 1632, William Widdrington was made a knight. This was a special honor given by the King. In 1636, he became the High Sheriff of Northumberland. This was an important job in his home county.
He was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Northumberland in 1640. He served in both the Short Parliament and the Long Parliament. However, in August 1642, he was removed from Parliament. This happened because he chose to support King Charles I when the Civil War was starting.
Fighting for the King
During the English Civil War, William Widdrington fought for King Charles I. He mostly fought in areas like Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. Because he was so loyal to the King, he was given a special reward. On July 9, 1642, he was made the 1st Baronet Widdrington of Widdrington.
He also served as the governor of Lincoln in 1643. On November 2, 1643, he was given an even higher title. He became the 1st Baron Widdrington of Blankney. This meant he was now a "peer" and could sit in the House of Lords.
Exile and Return
In 1644, William Widdrington helped defend the city of York. After the King's army lost a big battle at Marston Moor, he had to leave England. He went into exile in Hamburg with the Duke of Newcastle. Exile means being forced to live outside your home country.
In 1648, while he was away, the House of Commons decided he should be put to death. All his lands and property were taken away. This is called confiscation.
He returned to England in 1650. He joined Charles II, who was the King's son, in Scotland. In 1651, William Widdrington was fighting for Charles II at the Battle of Wigan. He was badly hurt during this battle and died from his injuries.
Family Life
In 1629, William Widdrington married Mary Thorold. She was the daughter and only heir of Anthony Thorold of Blankney Hall. Blankney Hall was near Lincoln.
William and Mary had many children, including eight sons and two daughters. Some of their children were:
- William Widdrington, 2nd Baron Widdrington (died 1675). He was their first son and had his own children.
- Edward Widdrington. He married Elizabeth Horseley. They had at least one daughter named Teresa.
- Jane Widdrington. She married Sir Charles Stanley.
- Ralph Widdrington (MP) (around 1640-1715).
Arms
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This section shows the "Arms" or "Coat of Arms" of the Widdrington family. A coat of arms is a special design that represents a family or a person. It's like a unique symbol that has been passed down through generations.
