Wolfgang William Romer facts for kids
Wolfgang William Romer (born 1640, died 1713) was a talented Dutch military engineer. He was born in The Hague, a city in the Netherlands. Romer was known for designing and building strong forts and defenses. He worked for the English king and helped protect important places in Europe and America.
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Early Life and Family
Wolfgang William Romer was born on April 23, 1640. He was the third son in a large family. His father, Mathias Romer, was an ambassador from Düsseldorf to Holland. An ambassador is like a special representative for a country. Wolfgang's godfather was the Elector Palatine, a powerful ruler in Germany.
Working for the King
Romer became a military engineer for William of Orange. William later became the King of England. In 1688, Romer was a colonel in William's army. They landed in England during an event called the "Glorious Revolution". This was when King James II left the throne, and William became king in 1689.
Building Forts in Ireland
After William became king, Romer was sent to Ireland in 1690. His job was to help build and improve forts there. He worked on defenses in cities like Cork, Longford, and Thurles. He stayed in Ireland until 1692.
Expeditions and Defenses in Europe
In 1692, Romer became the chief engineer for a military group planning to go to France. This trip was later canceled. In 1693, he was the chief engineer for another group going to the Mediterranean Sea. He helped protect a group of ships called the "Smyrna fleet".
In 1694, Romer was asked to check the defenses of Guernsey, an island. He drew a plan of Castle Cornet there, which is now in the British Museum.
Building Defenses in America
In 1697, Romer was ordered to go to New York. He was first offered a lower salary, but the King knew how valuable he was. So, Romer went to New York as the chief engineer with a good salary. He traveled with Lord Bellomont, the new governor of New York.
Mapping and Fortifying New York
Romer created a map of the Hudson River and the area around New York. In 1700, he explored the lands of the Iroquois Confederacy. The Iroquois were Native American groups who were allies with the British. Romer made a map of his journey through their territories.
Fortifying Boston Harbor
From 1701 to 1703, Romer worked on strengthening the defenses of Boston Harbor. He built a very important fort called Castle William on Castle Island. This fort had one hundred guns! It was later destroyed in 1776 during the American Revolutionary War. Years later, a stone slab was found at the fort. It said that Romer, a "military architect of the first rank," had built it.
Romer also built other forts and defensive posts in the Iroquois lands. He was a member of the Council of New York Province. His knowledge of the colony and the Iroquois people was very helpful to the governors.
Returning Home
By 1703, Romer was not feeling well and wanted to return to England. He stayed in America until 1706. He finished his plans for Castle Island in Boston Bay, which are also now in the British Museum.
Later Life and Work
On his way back to England, Romer's ship was captured by the French. He was taken to St. Malo, France, but was later set free. He returned to England to arrange for his exchange with a French prisoner.
In 1708, after being officially exchanged, Romer worked on designing new defenses for Portsmouth, England. He also helped build Blockhouse Fort at the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour. He continued to oversee the defenses in Portsmouth and visited other fortified towns until he passed away in 1713. He was buried in Düsseldorf, Germany, where he owned some property.
His son, John Lambertus Romer, also became a military engineer, just like his father.
Images for kids
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Fort Casco, Portland, Maine built by Wolfgang William Romer; map by Cyprian Southack
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Fort William and Mary, Portsmouth, New Hampshire by Wolfgang William Romer (1705)
