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William WallerGeneral of the Parliamentary army, one of the leaders of the Presbyterians
Date of Birth: 01.01.1599
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Life and Military Career
- Parliamentary General and Triumphs
- New Model Army and Retirement
- Royalist Allegiances and Imprisonment
- Restoration and Later Years
Early Life and Military Career
William Waller, born into a prominent family in Kent, England, experienced a tumultuous childhood marked by accidents and illnesses that deepened his religious faith. He attended Magdalen College, Oxford, and subsequently traveled to France and Italy, where he gained his first military experience in 1617 while fighting alongside English volunteers against Venetian forces.
Parliamentary General and Triumphs
In 1642, Waller was elected to the English Parliament and quickly rose to prominence as a supporter of Parliament during the First English Civil War. He captured Portsmouth in September 1642 and went on to seize Winchester, Chichester, Farnham, and Arundel castles, earning the moniker "William the Conqueror." His victories continued in 1643 when he was appointed Major-General of the West.
New Model Army and Retirement
In 1645, Parliament reorganized the army as a centralized, professional force known as the New Model Army. This led to Waller's resignation from military command, although he retained his seat in the House of Commons.
Royalist Allegiances and Imprisonment
Waller later became a royalist sympathizer and was suspected of involvement in various plots against the Commonwealth. He was arrested and imprisoned for ten weeks after the 1659 uprising.
Restoration and Later Years
In 1660, Waller played a role in the negotiations for the return of King Charles II. He was elected to Parliament and helped lay the groundwork for the restoration of the monarchy. After the Restoration, he retired from public life and died at his estate in 1668.
