Winston Churchill (Cavalier) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Honourable Sir Winston Churchill MP FRS
Portrait of Sir Winston Churchill
Born	18 April 1620
Died	26 March 1688
Nationality	English
Occupation	Soldier, historian, politician
Spouse(s)	Elizabeth Drake
Children	11, including: John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough George Churchill Charles Churchill Arabella Churchill
Parent(s)	Sir John Churchill Sarah Winston

The family coat of arms.

Sir Winston Churchill (born 18 April 1620 – died 26 March 1688) was an English soldier, historian, and politician. He was known as the Cavalier Colonel. He was the father of John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, who became a very famous military leader. Sir Winston Churchill was also a direct ancestor of the later Winston Churchill, who was a British prime minister during the Second World War.

Sir Winston Churchill's Early Life

Winston Churchill was the son of Sir John Churchill from Dorset, England. His father was a lawyer and politician. His mother was Sarah Winston. Winston went to St John's College, Oxford for his education. However, he left university before finishing his degree. This happened because the Civil War began.

Churchill's Role in the Civil War

Churchill was a strong supporter of the King throughout his life. People who supported the King were called Royalists or Cavaliers. He fought in the Civil War as a captain in the King's Horse army. He was even wounded during the fighting. After the Royalists lost the war, he had to pay a large fine of £446. This amount would be worth about £44,600 today.

Churchill's Political Career

After the King was restored to power, Churchill became a Member of Parliament. He represented Weymouth and Melcombe Regis from 1661 to 1679. Later, he represented Lyme Regis from 1685 to 1688.

In 1664, Churchill was made a knight. This means he was given the title "Sir." In the same year, he also became a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group of important scientists and thinkers.

He also wrote a history book about the kings of England. It was called Divi Britannici. The book covered the lives of kings from ancient times up to 1660. Sir Winston Churchill passed away in March 1688, when he was 67 years old.

Churchill's Family and Children

On 26 May 1648, Winston Churchill married Elizabeth Drake. Her father was Sir John Drake. Elizabeth's mother was Eleanor Boteler, who was related to George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, a very important person at the time.

Winston and Elizabeth had eleven children together. They had seven sons and four daughters. Sadly, only six of their children lived past infancy. Some of their sons died young. For example, Winston died in a battle at sea called the Battle of Solebay when he was 20.

Four of their children became well-known:

• John Churchill (1650–1722) became a very famous military leader. He was given the important title of Duke of Marlborough.
• George Churchill (1654–1710) became an admiral in the Royal Navy, which is the British navy. He never married.
• Charles Churchill (1656–1714) became a general in the British Army. He served under his older brother, John.
• Arabella Churchill (1648–1730) had four children with King James II. Her descendants include many important families in Britain and Europe.

Images for kids

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  General John Churchill

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  Admiral George Churchill

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  General Charles Churchill

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  Lady Arabella Churchill