Richard Molyneux, 2nd Viscount Molyneux
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Richard Molyneux, 2nd Viscount Molyneux of Maryborough, (1620/23?-1654) was the son of Richard Molyneux, 1st Viscount Molyneux
and inherited his title on his father's death in 1636. He married Frances Seymour, daughter of William Seymour, 2nd Duke of Somerset
and Lady Frances Devereux, at Essex House on 28 October 1652. Though his precise birthdate (c1620-23) has not been confirmed by original sources, it is known that he died in 1654, without issue, two years after his marriage. He was buried on 2 July 1654.
Sir Richard, at only 19 years of age, and his younger brother, Sir Caryll Molyneux
(his successor, as 3rd Viscount Molyneux), joined the Royalist army at the outbreak of the English Civil War. Being staunch Catholics and Royalists, they fought on the side of King Charles I
. In Lancashire, he led the fight against the Parliamentarians with Thomas Tyldesley
(an elder and more experienced military leader), Lord Byron
and Lord Stanley, although the latter resided in the Isle of Man during the latter stages of the War. On order of King James, he left Lancashire to reinforce Royal forces in battles throughout England and also in Wales
. Sir Richard was in the siege of Manchester, the capture of Lancaster
and Preston, one of the Battles of Newbury and the Battle of Ormskirk
. At Marston Moor
, Prince Rupert gave him command of a brigade of 800 horse, making him one of the youngest Royalist military commanders in the Civil War. After the King's execution, he fought at the Battle of Worcester
(1651).
Having found themselves on the losing side, the Molyneux had to endure heavy taxes and the confiscation of some of their lands. Sir Richard was arrested (and later released) for suspicion of being involved in a plot to help the King to escape the Isle of Wight. Later, the Molyneux were in trouble again. Sir Richard was again arrested (and released) while his brother Caryll helped Prince Rupert and Stanley to invade Liverpool, by land and by sea, and to regain control of the strategic port city, using his naval experience and his position as Constable of Liverpool Castle
.
The second Viscount held significant local offices including Admiral of Lancashire, Master Forester of the Forest and Park of West Derby, Steward of Salford and West Derby, Steward of Blackburnshire, Tottington and Clitheroe, Butler of County Palatine of Lancaster and Constable of Liverpool Castle.
He died at Croxteth in Lancashire and was buried on 2 July 1654 at the church of St Helens, Sefton.
Richard Molyneux, 1st Viscount Molyneux
Richard Molyneux, 1st Viscount Molyneux was an English politician who sat in the House of Commons at various times between 1614 and 1628 when he was created a peer....
and inherited his title on his father's death in 1636. He married Frances Seymour, daughter of William Seymour, 2nd Duke of Somerset
William Seymour, 2nd Duke of Somerset
Sir William Seymour, 2nd Duke of Somerset, KG was an English nobleman and Royalist commander in the English Civil War....
and Lady Frances Devereux, at Essex House on 28 October 1652. Though his precise birthdate (c1620-23) has not been confirmed by original sources, it is known that he died in 1654, without issue, two years after his marriage. He was buried on 2 July 1654.
Sir Richard, at only 19 years of age, and his younger brother, Sir Caryll Molyneux
Caryll Molyneux
Caryll Molyneux, 3rd Viscount Molyneux was an Irish peer. He was the younger son of Richard Molyneux, 1st Viscount Molyneux and inherited the title from his elder brother in 1654...
(his successor, as 3rd Viscount Molyneux), joined the Royalist army at the outbreak of the English Civil War. Being staunch Catholics and Royalists, they fought on the side of King Charles I
Charles I of England
Charles I was King of England, King of Scotland, and King of Ireland from 27 March 1625 until his execution in 1649. Charles engaged in a struggle for power with the Parliament of England, attempting to obtain royal revenue whilst Parliament sought to curb his Royal prerogative which Charles...
. In Lancashire, he led the fight against the Parliamentarians with Thomas Tyldesley
Thomas Tyldesley
Sir Thomas Tyldesley was a supporter of Charles I and a Royalist commander during the English Civil War.Thomas Tyldesley was born on 3 September 1612 at Woodplumpton, the eldest of the six children of Edward Tyldesley of Morleys Hall, Astley, in the parish of Leigh and his wife Elizabeth Preston...
(an elder and more experienced military leader), Lord Byron
John Byron, 1st Baron Byron
John Byron, 1st Baron Byron was an English Royalist and supporter of Charles I during the English Civil War.-Life:...
and Lord Stanley, although the latter resided in the Isle of Man during the latter stages of the War. On order of King James, he left Lancashire to reinforce Royal forces in battles throughout England and also in Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
. Sir Richard was in the siege of Manchester, the capture of Lancaster
Lancaster, Lancashire
Lancaster is the county town of Lancashire, England. It is situated on the River Lune and has a population of 45,952. Lancaster is a constituent settlement of the wider City of Lancaster, local government district which has a population of 133,914 and encompasses several outlying towns, including...
and Preston, one of the Battles of Newbury and the Battle of Ormskirk
Ormskirk
Ormskirk is a market town in West Lancashire, England. It is situated north of Liverpool city centre, northwest of St Helens, southeast of Southport and southwest of Preston.-Geography and administration:...
. At Marston Moor
Battle of Marston Moor
The Battle of Marston Moor was fought on 2 July 1644, during the First English Civil War of 1642–1646. The combined forces of the Scottish Covenanters under the Earl of Leven and the English Parliamentarians under Lord Fairfax and the Earl of Manchester defeated the Royalists commanded by Prince...
, Prince Rupert gave him command of a brigade of 800 horse, making him one of the youngest Royalist military commanders in the Civil War. After the King's execution, he fought at the Battle of Worcester
Battle of Worcester
The Battle of Worcester took place on 3 September 1651 at Worcester, England and was the final battle of the English Civil War. Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians defeated the Royalist, predominantly Scottish, forces of King Charles II...
(1651).
Having found themselves on the losing side, the Molyneux had to endure heavy taxes and the confiscation of some of their lands. Sir Richard was arrested (and later released) for suspicion of being involved in a plot to help the King to escape the Isle of Wight. Later, the Molyneux were in trouble again. Sir Richard was again arrested (and released) while his brother Caryll helped Prince Rupert and Stanley to invade Liverpool, by land and by sea, and to regain control of the strategic port city, using his naval experience and his position as Constable of Liverpool Castle
Liverpool Castle
Liverpool Castle was a castle which was situated in Liverpool, England . It stood from the early 13th century to the early 18th century.-Construction:...
.
The second Viscount held significant local offices including Admiral of Lancashire, Master Forester of the Forest and Park of West Derby, Steward of Salford and West Derby, Steward of Blackburnshire, Tottington and Clitheroe, Butler of County Palatine of Lancaster and Constable of Liverpool Castle.
He died at Croxteth in Lancashire and was buried on 2 July 1654 at the church of St Helens, Sefton.