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[[File:Henry Rich, 1st Earl of Holland by Sir Anthony Van Dyck.jpg|thumb|Portrait of Henry Rich by [[Anthony van Dyck|van Dyck]], {{circa|1640}}, in the [[National Portrait Gallery, London|National Portrait Gallery]]]]
[[Image:1stEarlOfHolland.jpg|right|thumb|200px|The 1st Earl of Holland.]]
'''Henry Rich, 1st Earl of Holland''' (baptized 19 August 1590 – 9 March 1649), known as '''The Lord Kensington''' between 1623 and 1624, was an [[English people|English]] aristocrat, courtier and soldier.
'''Henry Rich, 1st Earl of Holland''' (19 August 1590 ([[Baptism|baptised]]) – 9 March 1649), known as '''The Lord Kensington''' between 1623 and 1624, was an [[English people|English]] [[courtier]], [[Peerage|peer]] and soldier. A member of the influential [[Rich family]], he was the son of [[Robert Rich, 1st Earl of Warwick]], and his wife, [[Penelope Rich, Lady Rich|Penelope Devereux]], and the younger brother of [[Robert Rich, 2nd Earl of Warwick|Robert, 2nd Earl of Warwick]].


He began his career as a courtier and soldier in 1610, swiftly becoming a [[favourite]] of King [[James I of England|James I]], but fell out of favour on the accession of [[Charles I of England|Charles I]]. He was created [[Baron Kensington]] in 1622, and [[Earl of Holland]] in 1624.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=The parish: Descendants of Rich and the advowson|title=The records of St. Bartholomew's priory [and] St. Bartholomew the Great, West Smithfield|volume=2|year=1921|pages=292–296|last=Webb|first=E.A.|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=51784|accessdate=2012-08-31}}</ref> He was one of many lovers of [[Marie de Rohan]], the veteran of French court intrigue.
==Life==


===Overview===
==Military career==
[[Image:1stEarlOfHolland.jpg|left|thumb|The Earl of Holland]]
A member of the influential [[Rich family]], he was the son of [[Robert Rich, 1st Earl of Warwick]] and of [[Penelope Devereux, Lady Rich]], and the younger brother of [[Robert Rich, 2nd Earl of Warwick]]. He began his career as a courtier and soldier in 1610, swiftly becoming a [[favourite]] of King [[James I of England]], but fell out of favour on the [[:wikt:accession|accession]] of [[Charles I of England|Charles I]]. He was created [[Baron Kensington]] in 1622, and [[Earl of Holland]] in 1624.<ref>{{cite book|chapter=The parish: Descendants of Rich and the advowson|title=The records of St. Bartholomew's priory [and] St. Bartholomew the Great, West Smithfield|volume=2|year=1921|pages=292–296|last=Webb|first=|E.A.|url=http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=51784|accessdate=2012-08-31}}</ref> He was one of many lovers of [[Marie de Rohan]], the highly promiscuous and veteran of French court intrigue Duchesse de Chevreuse.
On Sunday, 9 July 1648, seven months prior to the [[Charles I of England#Trial and execution|execution]] of King Charles, the Earl and his army of approximately 400 men entered [[St Neots]] in the county of [[Huntingdonshire]]. The Earl's men were hungry and weary, following their escape from [[Kingston upon Thames]], where the Parliamentary forces had completely overwhelmed them. Of his original army of 500, the Earl escaped with around 100 horsemen and were immediately followed by a small party of [[Puritan]] and Parliamentary horsemen. After much hesitation regarding in which direction they should flee, the Earl decided on [[Northampton]], and the group made their way via [[St Albans]] and [[Dunstable]]. Upon the outskirts of Bedford the group turned eastward towards St Neots town. En route from Kingston, the Earl was joined by the young [[George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham|Duke of Buckingham]] and the [[Henry Mordaunt, 2nd Earl of Peterborough|Earl of Peterborough]]. They were also joined by Colonel [[John Dalbier]], an experienced German soldier who was hated by the [[Roundhead]]s, having previously served with them under the [[Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex|3rd Earl of Essex]] until taking up arms in favour of the [[Cavalier]]s' cause.


The field officers of Holland’s force sought only rest and safety. Colonel Dalbier called a [[council of war]], where many officers voted for dispersing into the surrounding countryside. Others suggested they should continue northwards. Colonel Dalbier advised on the [[Military strategy|strategic]] position of St Neots and the fact that the joint remnants of Buckingham and Holland’s forces had increased sufficiently since the [[Withdrawal (military)|retreat]] from the Roundheads at Kingston. He suggested they meet and engage their pursuers. He further added that, by obtaining a victory, the fortunes of war could be turned in their favour. Due to his vast experience as a soldier, his words were listened to with respect. He further offered to guard them through the night in case of a surprise attack, or meet a soldier's death in the defence of the town. A vote was taken and Dalbier’s plan was adopted.
==Military engagement==


The Earl of Holland who, it was said, "had better faculty at public address than he had with a sword" joined Buckingham and Peterborough in addressing the principal residents and townsfolk of St Neots. The Duke of Buckingham spoke at length, claiming "they did not wish to continue a bloody war, but wanted only a settled government under Royal King Charles." Assurances were also given that their Royalist troop would not [[riot]] or damage the townfolks’ property. Of the latter, it is recorded that they were faithful to their promise.
===Build-up to battle===
On Sunday, 9 July 1648, seven months prior to the [[Charles I of England#Trial and execution|execution]] of King Charles, the Earl and his army of approximately 400 men entered St Neots in the [[county]] of [[Huntingdonshire]]. The [[Earl]]'s men were hungry and weary, following their escape from [[Kingston upon Thames]], where the Parliamentary forces had completely overwhelmed them. Of his original army of 500, the Earl escaped with around 100 horsemen and were immediately followed by a small party of [[Puritan]] and Parliamentary horsemen. After much hesitation regarding in which direction they should flee, the Earl decided on [[Northampton]], and the group made their way via [[St Albans]] and [[Dunstable]]. Upon the outskirts of Bedford the group turned eastward towards St Neots town. En route from Kingston, the Earl was joined by the young [[George Villiers, 2nd Duke of Buckingham|Duke of Buckingham]] and the [[Henry Mordaunt, 2nd Earl of Peterborough|Earl of Peterborough]]. Colonel [[John Dalbier]], an experienced German soldier, had also joined them. The [[Roundhead]]s hated Dalbier, as he had previously served with them under the [[Robert Devereux, 3rd Earl of Essex|3rd Earl of Essex]] until taking up arms in favour of the [[Cavalier]]s cause.


Fatigued by their battle and consequent retreat from Kingston, the field officers eagerly sought rest. True to his word, Colonel Dalbier kept watch over them. The small group of Puritan horsemen who had pursued them had, upon reaching Hertford, met with [[Adrian Scrope|Colonel Scroope]] and his Roundhead troops from their detachment at [[Colchester]].
The field officers of Holland’s force sought only rest and safety. Colonel Dalbier called a council of war, where many officers voted for dispersing into the surrounding countryside. Others suggested they should continue northwards. Colonel Dalbier advised on the [[Military strategy|strategic]] position of St Neots and the fact that the joint remnants of Buckingham and Holland’s forces had increased sufficiently since the [[Withdrawal (military)|retreat]] from the Roundheads at Kingston. He suggested they meet and engage their pursuers. He further added that, by obtaining a victory, the fortunes of war could be turned in their favour. Due to his vast experience as a soldier, his words were listened to with respect. He further offered to guard them through the night in case of a surprise attack, or meet the death of a soldier in the defence of the town. A vote was taken and Dalbier’s plan was adopted.


At two o’clock on Monday morning, 10 July, 100 [[dragoon]]s from the Parliament forces arrived ahead of the main army at [[Eaton Ford]]. Dalbier was at once informed, and immediately gave the alarm: "To horse, to horse!" The dragoons, equipped with [[musket]] and [[sword]], crossed St Neots’ bridge before the Royalists were fully prepared. The Battle of St Neots had begun.
===Address to the townsfolk===
The Earl of Holland who, it was said, "had better faculty at public address than he had with a sword," joined the Duke of Buckingham and the Earl of Peterborough in addressing the principal residents and townsfolk of [[St Neots]]. Buckingham spoke at length, claiming "they did not wish to continue a bloody war, but wanted only a settled government under Royal King Charles." Assurances were also given that their Royalist troop would not [[riot]] or damage the townfolks’ property. Of the latter, it is recorded that they were faithful to their promise.

===Preparation for battle===
Fatigued by their [[battle]] and consequent retreat from Kingston, the field officers eagerly sought rest. Colonel Dalbier, true to his word, kept watch over them.

The small group of Puritan horsemen who had pursued them had, upon reaching Hertford, met with [[Adrian Scrope|Colonel Scroope]] and his Roundhead troops from their detachment at [[Colchester]].

At 2 o’clock on Monday morning, 10 July, one hundred [[Dragoon]]s from the Parliament forces arrived ahead of the main army at [[Eaton Ford]]. Colonel Dalbier was at once informed, and immediately gave the alarm: "To horse, to horse!"

The Dragoons, equipped with [[musket]] and [[sword]], crossed St Neots’ bridge before the Royalists were fully prepared. The [[Battle of St Neots]] had begun.


===Battle of St Neots===
===Battle of St Neots===
The few Royalists guarding the bridge quickly fell back from the superior numbers before them. The ensuing battle was now fought on the main square and streets of the town. The remaining Royalists were now fully prepared for [[combat]]. The main army of Roundheads had also arrived, and a further wave of Puritans crossed the bridge into town. The battle was fierce, with the Puritans gaining ground.
The few Royalists guarding the bridge quickly fell back from the superior numbers before them. The ensuing battle was now fought on the main square and streets of the town. The remaining Royalists were now fully prepared for [[combat]]. The main army of Roundheads had also arrived, and a further wave of Puritans crossed the bridge into town. The battle was fierce, with the Puritans gaining ground.


Colonel Dalbier died during the early stages of the battle. Other prominent Royalists, including Buckingham's younger brother Francis Villiers, and Kenelm Digby (son of the scientific writer of the same name), were also killed during the battle. Other officers and men drowned whilst attempting to escape by crossing the [[River Great Ouse|River Ouse]]. The young Duke of Buckingham, being overwhelmed by the speed of these events, escaped to Huntingdon with sixty horsemen, with the intention of continuing towards [[Lincolnshire]]. Upon realising the Roundheads were in hot pursuit, he changed plans, and via an evasive route returned to London from where he later escaped to France.
Colonel Dalbier died during the early stages of the battle. Other prominent Royalists, including Buckingham's younger brother Francis Villiers, and Kenelm Digby (son of the [[Kenelm Digby|scientific writer of the same name]]), were also killed during the battle. Other officers and men drowned whilst attempting to escape by crossing the [[River Great Ouse|River Ouse]]. The young Duke of Buckingham, being overwhelmed by the speed of these events, escaped with 60 horsemen to Huntingdon, with the intention of continuing towards [[Lincolnshire]]. Upon realising the Roundheads were in hot pursuit, he changed plans, and via an evasive route returned to London from where he later escaped to France.


The Earl of Holland with his personal guard fought their way to the inn at which he had stayed the previous night. The gates had been closed and locked, but were quickly opened to admit him, and immediately closed again as he entered. The Parliamentarians soon battered them down and entered the inn. The door of the Earl’s room was burst open to reveal him facing them, sword in hand. It is recorded that he offered surrender of himself, his army and the town of St Neots, on condition that his life was spared.
The Earl of Holland with his personal guard fought their way to the inn at which he had stayed the previous night. The gates had been closed and locked, but were quickly opened to admit him, and immediately closed again as he entered. The Parliamentarians soon battered them down and entered the inn. The door of the Earl’s room was burst open to reveal him facing them, sword in hand. It is recorded that he offered surrender of himself, his army and the town of St Neots, on condition that his life was spared.


The Puritans seized the Earl and took him before [[Adrian Scroope|Colonel Scroope]], who ordered him to be shackled and imprisoned under guard. The remaining Royalist prisoners were locked in St Neots parish church overnight, then taken to Hitchin the following morning. The Earl and five other field officers were taken to [[Warwick Castle]], which had remained a parliamentary stronghold throughout the war. They remained prisoners for the next six months, until their trial for [[high treason]]. In London it was said "His Lordship may spend time as well as he can and have leisure to repent his juvenile folly."
===Imprisonment and trial===
The Puritans seized the Earl and took him before Colonel [[Adrian Scroope|Scroope]], who ordered him to be shackled and imprisoned under guard. The remaining Royalist prisoners were locked in St Neots parish church overnight, then taken to Hitchin the following morning. The Earl and five other field officers were taken to [[Warwick Castle]], which had remained a parliamentary stronghold throughout the war. They remained prisoners for the next six months, until their trial for high treason. In London it was said "His Lordship may spend time as well as he can and have leisure to repent his juvenile folly."


Peterborough also escaped disguised as a gentleman merchant, but was later recognised and arrested. Friends aided their escape again whilst en route to London for trial. He then stayed at various safe houses, financed by his mother, until he managed to flee the country.
[[File:Henry Rich, 1st Earl of Holland by Sir Anthony Van Dyck.jpg|left|thumb|Portrait of Henry Rich by [[Anthony van Dyck]]]]
The Earl of Peterborough also escaped dressed as a gentleman merchant, but was later recognised and arrested. Friends aided their escape again whilst en route to London for trial. He then stayed at various safe houses, financed by his mother, until he managed to flee the country.


==Trial and execution==
On 27 February 1649, the Earl of Holland was moved to London for trial. He pleaded his crime was not capital, and claimed that he had surrendered St Neots town on the condition that his life would be spared.
On 27 February 1649, the Earl of Holland was moved to London for trial. He pleaded his crime was not capital, and claimed that he had surrendered St Neots town on the condition that his life would be spared. It was stated at the time that in 1643 Lord Holland had joined Parliament and in the same year had changed sides and joined the Royalists. He was with them at the [[Battle of Chalgrove]] – Oxford – but stole away during a dark night before the close of battle.


On 3 March the Earl was condemned as a [[traitor]] and sentenced to death. His brother, the Earl of Warwick, and sister-in-law the Countess of Warwick petitioned Parliament for his life, as did other ladies of rank. The Puritan Parliament divided its vote equally. The speaker gave the casting vote for the sentence to stand. The petition had succeeded only in deferring the execution for two days. The Earl was dangerously ill during these days and neither ate nor slept.
It was stated at the time that in 1643 Earl of Holland had joined Parliament and in the same year had changed sides and joined the Royalists. He was with them at the [[Battle of Chalgrove]] – Oxford – but stole away during a dark night before the close of battle. On 3 March the Earl was condemned as a [[traitor]] and was sentenced to death.


On the morning of his execution, 9 March, before [[Westminster Hall]], the Earl walked unaided, but spoke to people along the way, declaring his surrender at St Neots was on condition that his life would be spared. At the scaffold he prayed, then gave the executioner his forgiveness and what money he still had on his person, which was approximately ten pounds. Upon laying his head on the block, he signalled the executioner by stretching his arms outwards. His head was severed by one stroke of the executioner’s axe. Very little blood flowed, due to his weakness, and the strong feeling was that, even had the execution not taken place, he probably would not have lived for long.
His brother, the Earl of Warwick, and the Countess of Warwick petitioned Parliament for his life, as did other ladies of rank. The Puritan Parliament divided its vote equally. The speaker gave the casting vote for the sentence to stand. The petition had succeeded only in deferring the execution for two days. The Earl was dangerously ill during these days and neither ate nor slept.


The [[Second English Civil War|second rising of the English Civil War]] had culminated in the [[Battle of Preston (1648)|Battle of Preston]] during August 1648, with the Roundheads marching 250 miles in 26 days through foul weather and conditions, to defeat and ensure the Royalists would never re-form as an army.
==His execution==
On the morning of his execution, 9 March, before [[Westminster Hall]], the Earl walked unaided, but spoke to people along the way, declaring his surrender at St Neots was on condition that his life would be spared. At the scaffold he prayed. He then gave his forgiveness to the executioner and gave him what money he still had on his person, which was approximately ten pounds. Upon laying his head on the block, he signalled the executioner by stretching his arms outwards.

His head was severed by one stroke of the executioner’s axe. Very little blood flowed, due to his weakness, and the strong feeling was that, even had the execution not taken place, he probably would not have lived for long.

The second rising of the [[English Civil War]] had culminated in the [[Battle of Preston (1648)|Battle of Preston]] during August 1648, with the Roundheads marching two hundred and fifty miles in twenty six days through foul weather and conditions, to defeat and ensure the Royalists would never re-form as an army.


The townspeople of [[St Neots]], who apparently were neutral during the entire conflict, continued their peaceful existence.
The townspeople of [[St Neots]], who apparently were neutral during the entire conflict, continued their peaceful existence.
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In 1616 the Earl married Isabel Cope, daughter of government official [[Walter Cope|Sir Walter Cope]] (c. 1553–1614) and his wife Dorothy Grenville (1563–1638). They had at least six children together:<ref>[http://www.thepeerage.com/p6785.htm#i67850]</ref>
In 1616 the Earl married Isabel Cope, daughter of government official [[Walter Cope|Sir Walter Cope]] (c. 1553–1614) and his wife Dorothy Grenville (1563–1638). They had at least six children together:<ref>[http://www.thepeerage.com/p6785.htm#i67850]</ref>


*Lady Dorothy Rich (27 September 1616-c. December 1617)
*Lady Dorothy Rich (27 September 1616c. December 1617);
*Lady Frances Rich (born c. 1617–12 November 1672), married [[William Paget, 5th Baron Paget]] in 1632, and had issue.
*Lady Frances Rich (c. 1617 – 12 November 1672), married [[William Paget, 5th Baron Paget]] in 1632, and had issue;
*[[Robert Rich, 5th Earl of Warwick]] (born c. 1619–16 April 1675), married firstly his second cousin Lady Anne Montagu, daughter of [[Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester]], then Elizabeth Ingram.
*[[Robert Rich, 5th Earl of Warwick]] (c. 1619 – 16 April 1675), married firstly his second cousin Lady Anne Montagu, daughter of [[Edward Montagu, 2nd Earl of Manchester]], then Elizabeth Ingram;
*Lady Isabella Rich (christened 6 October 1623), married [[James Thynne|Sir James Thynne]] (d. 1670), by whom she had no issue.
*Lady Isabella Rich (christened 6 October 1623), married [[James Thynne|Sir James Thynne]] (d. 1670), by whom she had no issue;
*Lady Susannah Rich (b c. 1628 d. 1649) later Countess of Suffolk; she married [[James Howard, 3rd Earl of Suffolk]] (1618/20-1689) as his 1st wife, on 1 December 1646,<ref>Cracroft's Peerage says they married 1640</ref> and had surviving issue, one daughter Lady Essex Howard<ref>[http://www.thepeerage.com/p3750.htm#i3749 thepeerage.com Lady Essex Howard]</ref> through whom the [[Baron Howard de Walden|barony Howard de Walden]] passed to her descendant John Griffin Whitwell, 1st Baron Braybrooke in 1784,<ref>[http://www.thepeerage.com/p1435.htm#i14349 thepeerage.com John Griffin Whitwell, 1st Baron Braybrooke]</ref> but fell into abeyance 1797. The [[Baron Braybrooke|barony Braybrooke]] passed by special remainder to a relative; the Barony Howard de Walden passed through Howard and then Hervey descent (via the 3rd Earl's granddaughter Elizabeth Felton, Countess of Bristol<ref>[http://www.thepeerage.com/p3749.htm#i37488 thepeerage.com Elizabeth Felton, Countess of Bristol]</ref> by his second wife).<ref>[http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/Suffolk1603.htm#SUFFOLK_1603_3 Suffolk, Earl of (E, 1603)] and [http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/HowardW1597.htm Howard de Walden, Baron (E, 1597)] Cracroft's Peerage, retrieved 25 November 2012</ref>
*Lady Susannah Rich (c. 1628 1649) later Countess of Suffolk; she married [[James Howard, 3rd Earl of Suffolk]] (1618/201689) as his first wife, on 1 December 1646,<ref>Cracroft's Peerage says they married 1640</ref> and had surviving issue, one daughter Lady Essex Howard<ref>[http://www.thepeerage.com/p3750.htm#i3749 thepeerage.com Lady Essex Howard]</ref> through whom the [[Baron Howard de Walden|barony Howard de Walden]] passed to her descendant John Griffin Whitwell, 1st Baron Braybrooke in 1784,<ref>[http://www.thepeerage.com/p1435.htm#i14349 thepeerage.com John Griffin Whitwell, 1st Baron Braybrooke]</ref> but fell into abeyance 1797. The [[Baron Braybrooke|barony Braybrooke]] passed by special remainder to a relative; the Barony Howard de Walden passed through Howard and then Hervey descent (via the 3rd Earl's granddaughter Elizabeth Felton, Countess of Bristol<ref>[http://www.thepeerage.com/p3749.htm#i37488 thepeerage.com Elizabeth Felton, Countess of Bristol]</ref> by his second wife);<ref>[http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/Suffolk1603.htm#SUFFOLK_1603_3 Suffolk, Earl of (E, 1603)] and [http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/HowardW1597.htm Howard de Walden, Baron (E, 1597)] Cracroft's Peerage, retrieved 25 November 2012</ref>
*Lady Diana Rich (d. 1658)
*Lady Diana Rich (d. 1658);
*Hon. Charles Rich (d. c. April 1645)
*Hon. Charles Rich (d. c. April 1645);
*Hon. Henry Rich (d. 1669)
*Hon. Henry Rich (d. 1669);
*Hon. Cope Rich (christened 3 May 1635, bur 7 August 1676<ref>[http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/holland1624.htm "Holland, Earl of (E, 1624 - 1759)" Cracroft's Peerage, retrieved 25 November 2012]</ref>), who would become grandfather of the 5th [[Earl of Holland]].
*Hon. Cope Rich (christened 3 May 1635; buried 7 August 1676),<ref>[http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/holland1624.htm "Holland, Earl of (E, 1624 - 1759)] Cracroft's Peerage, retrieved 25 November 2012</ref> who would become grandfather of the 5th [[Earl of Holland]];
*[[Mary Campbell, Countess of Breadalbane and Holland|Lady Mary Rich, later Lady Mary Campbell]] (born c. 1636 – 8 February 1666), married [[John Campbell, 1st Earl of Breadalbane and Holland|John Campbell of Glenorchy, later Earl of Breadalbane and Holland in 1681]], son of Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy, 4th Bt, as his 1st wife, in 1657, and had issue.<ref>[http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/index307.htm#BREADALBANE_1677_1 Breadalbane and Holland, Earl of (S, 1677 - dormant 1995)], Cracroft's Peerage, retrieved 25 November 2012. Lady Mary Rich was never Countess of Breadalbane and Holland, because her husband was made a peer only in 1677, and was given the earldom only in 1681. She died in 1666.</ref>
*[[Mary Campbell, Countess of Breadalbane and Holland|Lady Mary Rich, later Lady Mary Campbell]] (c. 1636 – 8 February 1666), married [[John Campbell, 1st Earl of Breadalbane and Holland|John Campbell of Glenorchy, later Earl of Breadalbane and Holland in 1681]], son of Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy, 4th Bt, as his first wife, in 1657, and had issue.<ref>[http://www.cracroftspeerage.co.uk/online/content/index307.htm#BREADALBANE_1677_1 Breadalbane and Holland, Earl of (S, 1677 - dormant 1995)], Cracroft's Peerage, retrieved 25 November 2012. Lady Mary Rich was never Countess of Breadalbane and Holland, because her husband was made a peer only in 1677, and was given the earldom only in 1681. She died in 1666.</ref>


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:1590 births]]
[[Category:1590 births]]
[[Category:1649 deaths]]
[[Category:1649 deaths]]
[[Category:17th-century soldiers]]
[[Category:Cavaliers]]
[[Category:Chancellors of the University of Cambridge]]
[[Category:Chancellors of the University of Cambridge]]
[[Category:Earls in the Peerage of England]]
[[Category:Earls in the Peerage of England]]
[[Category:English people executed by decapitation]]
[[Category:Knights of the Garter]]
[[Category:Knights of the Garter]]
[[Category:Lay members of the Westminster Assembly]]
[[Category:Lord-Lieutenants of Berkshire]]
[[Category:Lord-Lieutenants of Berkshire]]
[[Category:Lord-Lieutenants of Middlesex]]
[[Category:Lord-Lieutenants of Middlesex]]
[[Category:People executed under the Interregnum (England) by decapitation]]
[[Category:People executed under the Interregnum (England) by decapitation]]
[[Category:English people executed by decapitation]]
[[Category:People executed under the Interregnum (England) for treason against England]]
[[Category:Lay members of the Westminster Assembly]]
[[Category:Younger sons of earls]]
[[Category:Rich family]]
[[Category:Rich family]]
[[Category:Younger sons of earls]]

Revision as of 13:17, 27 April 2013

Portrait of Henry Rich by van Dyck, c. 1640, in the National Portrait Gallery

Henry Rich, 1st Earl of Holland (19 August 1590 (baptised) – 9 March 1649), known as The Lord Kensington between 1623 and 1624, was an English courtier, peer and soldier. A member of the influential Rich family, he was the son of Robert Rich, 1st Earl of Warwick, and his wife, Penelope Devereux, and the younger brother of Robert, 2nd Earl of Warwick.

He began his career as a courtier and soldier in 1610, swiftly becoming a favourite of King James I, but fell out of favour on the accession of Charles I. He was created Baron Kensington in 1622, and Earl of Holland in 1624.[1] He was one of many lovers of Marie de Rohan, the veteran of French court intrigue.

Military career

The Earl of Holland

On Sunday, 9 July 1648, seven months prior to the execution of King Charles, the Earl and his army of approximately 400 men entered St Neots in the county of Huntingdonshire. The Earl's men were hungry and weary, following their escape from Kingston upon Thames, where the Parliamentary forces had completely overwhelmed them. Of his original army of 500, the Earl escaped with around 100 horsemen and were immediately followed by a small party of Puritan and Parliamentary horsemen. After much hesitation regarding in which direction they should flee, the Earl decided on Northampton, and the group made their way via St Albans and Dunstable. Upon the outskirts of Bedford the group turned eastward towards St Neots town. En route from Kingston, the Earl was joined by the young Duke of Buckingham and the Earl of Peterborough. They were also joined by Colonel John Dalbier, an experienced German soldier who was hated by the Roundheads, having previously served with them under the 3rd Earl of Essex until taking up arms in favour of the Cavaliers' cause.

The field officers of Holland’s force sought only rest and safety. Colonel Dalbier called a council of war, where many officers voted for dispersing into the surrounding countryside. Others suggested they should continue northwards. Colonel Dalbier advised on the strategic position of St Neots and the fact that the joint remnants of Buckingham and Holland’s forces had increased sufficiently since the retreat from the Roundheads at Kingston. He suggested they meet and engage their pursuers. He further added that, by obtaining a victory, the fortunes of war could be turned in their favour. Due to his vast experience as a soldier, his words were listened to with respect. He further offered to guard them through the night in case of a surprise attack, or meet a soldier's death in the defence of the town. A vote was taken and Dalbier’s plan was adopted.

The Earl of Holland — who, it was said, "had better faculty at public address than he had with a sword" — joined Buckingham and Peterborough in addressing the principal residents and townsfolk of St Neots. The Duke of Buckingham spoke at length, claiming "they did not wish to continue a bloody war, but wanted only a settled government under Royal King Charles." Assurances were also given that their Royalist troop would not riot or damage the townfolks’ property. Of the latter, it is recorded that they were faithful to their promise.

Fatigued by their battle and consequent retreat from Kingston, the field officers eagerly sought rest. True to his word, Colonel Dalbier kept watch over them. The small group of Puritan horsemen who had pursued them had, upon reaching Hertford, met with Colonel Scroope and his Roundhead troops from their detachment at Colchester.

At two o’clock on Monday morning, 10 July, 100 dragoons from the Parliament forces arrived ahead of the main army at Eaton Ford. Dalbier was at once informed, and immediately gave the alarm: "To horse, to horse!" The dragoons, equipped with musket and sword, crossed St Neots’ bridge before the Royalists were fully prepared. The Battle of St Neots had begun.

Battle of St Neots

The few Royalists guarding the bridge quickly fell back from the superior numbers before them. The ensuing battle was now fought on the main square and streets of the town. The remaining Royalists were now fully prepared for combat. The main army of Roundheads had also arrived, and a further wave of Puritans crossed the bridge into town. The battle was fierce, with the Puritans gaining ground.

Colonel Dalbier died during the early stages of the battle. Other prominent Royalists, including Buckingham's younger brother Francis Villiers, and Kenelm Digby (son of the scientific writer of the same name), were also killed during the battle. Other officers and men drowned whilst attempting to escape by crossing the River Ouse. The young Duke of Buckingham, being overwhelmed by the speed of these events, escaped with 60 horsemen to Huntingdon, with the intention of continuing towards Lincolnshire. Upon realising the Roundheads were in hot pursuit, he changed plans, and via an evasive route returned to London from where he later escaped to France.

The Earl of Holland with his personal guard fought their way to the inn at which he had stayed the previous night. The gates had been closed and locked, but were quickly opened to admit him, and immediately closed again as he entered. The Parliamentarians soon battered them down and entered the inn. The door of the Earl’s room was burst open to reveal him facing them, sword in hand. It is recorded that he offered surrender of himself, his army and the town of St Neots, on condition that his life was spared.

The Puritans seized the Earl and took him before Colonel Scroope, who ordered him to be shackled and imprisoned under guard. The remaining Royalist prisoners were locked in St Neots parish church overnight, then taken to Hitchin the following morning. The Earl and five other field officers were taken to Warwick Castle, which had remained a parliamentary stronghold throughout the war. They remained prisoners for the next six months, until their trial for high treason. In London it was said "His Lordship may spend time as well as he can and have leisure to repent his juvenile folly."

Peterborough also escaped disguised as a gentleman merchant, but was later recognised and arrested. Friends aided their escape again whilst en route to London for trial. He then stayed at various safe houses, financed by his mother, until he managed to flee the country.

Trial and execution

On 27 February 1649, the Earl of Holland was moved to London for trial. He pleaded his crime was not capital, and claimed that he had surrendered St Neots town on the condition that his life would be spared. It was stated at the time that in 1643 Lord Holland had joined Parliament and in the same year had changed sides and joined the Royalists. He was with them at the Battle of Chalgrove – Oxford – but stole away during a dark night before the close of battle.

On 3 March the Earl was condemned as a traitor and sentenced to death. His brother, the Earl of Warwick, and sister-in-law the Countess of Warwick petitioned Parliament for his life, as did other ladies of rank. The Puritan Parliament divided its vote equally. The speaker gave the casting vote for the sentence to stand. The petition had succeeded only in deferring the execution for two days. The Earl was dangerously ill during these days and neither ate nor slept.

On the morning of his execution, 9 March, before Westminster Hall, the Earl walked unaided, but spoke to people along the way, declaring his surrender at St Neots was on condition that his life would be spared. At the scaffold he prayed, then gave the executioner his forgiveness and what money he still had on his person, which was approximately ten pounds. Upon laying his head on the block, he signalled the executioner by stretching his arms outwards. His head was severed by one stroke of the executioner’s axe. Very little blood flowed, due to his weakness, and the strong feeling was that, even had the execution not taken place, he probably would not have lived for long.

The second rising of the English Civil War had culminated in the Battle of Preston during August 1648, with the Roundheads marching 250 miles in 26 days through foul weather and conditions, to defeat and ensure the Royalists would never re-form as an army.

The townspeople of St Neots, who apparently were neutral during the entire conflict, continued their peaceful existence.

Descendants

In 1616 the Earl married Isabel Cope, daughter of government official Sir Walter Cope (c. 1553–1614) and his wife Dorothy Grenville (1563–1638). They had at least six children together:[2]

References

  1. ^ Webb, E.A. (1921). "The parish: Descendants of Rich and the advowson". The records of St. Bartholomew's priory [and] St. Bartholomew the Great, West Smithfield. Vol. 2. pp. 292–296. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  2. ^ [1]
  3. ^ Cracroft's Peerage says they married 1640
  4. ^ thepeerage.com Lady Essex Howard
  5. ^ thepeerage.com John Griffin Whitwell, 1st Baron Braybrooke
  6. ^ thepeerage.com Elizabeth Felton, Countess of Bristol
  7. ^ Suffolk, Earl of (E, 1603) and Howard de Walden, Baron (E, 1597) Cracroft's Peerage, retrieved 25 November 2012
  8. ^ "Holland, Earl of (E, 1624 - 1759) Cracroft's Peerage, retrieved 25 November 2012
  9. ^ Breadalbane and Holland, Earl of (S, 1677 - dormant 1995), Cracroft's Peerage, retrieved 25 November 2012. Lady Mary Rich was never Countess of Breadalbane and Holland, because her husband was made a peer only in 1677, and was given the earldom only in 1681. She died in 1666.

Further reading

  • Clarendon, Earl of (Edward Hyde), The History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England. Several volumes, depending on edition. A description of the events at St Neots, and Holland's subsequent imprisonment, appears in the 1840 edition (Oxford), vol. VI pp. 92–95.
Political offices
Preceded by Captain of the Yeomen of the Guard
1617–1632
Succeeded by
Preceded by Master of the Horse
1628
Succeeded by
Preceded by Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire
1628–1642
With: The Earl of Banbury 1628–1632
Succeeded by
Interregnum
Preceded by Lord Lieutenant of Middlesex
1628–1642
With: The Earl of Dorset
Succeeded by
Interregnum
Legal offices
Preceded by Justice in Eyre
south of the Trent

1631–1649
Succeeded by
Vacant
Peerage of England
New creation Earl of Holland
1624–1649
Succeeded by
Baron Kensington
1623–1649

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