Rupert was the son of Elizabeth of Bohemia, King Charles I of England’s sister, which made him half English. Born in 1619, Rupert had studied best at art and languages at university in Holland. By 1632, his father had died and Rupert had already started studying arms and soldiering. Since he was born, he had been an exile after his father was forced out of his lands. He then gained military experience fighting in the siege of Breda and other battles. In 1638 he was captured and imprisoned, refusing to change his religion or forsake his family for his release. Release came in 1641, mainly by his uncle King Charles’ intervention. Rupert’s character was complex. He stood at around 6 foot 4 inches, slim and good-looking. His exquisite dress and violent temper made him appear intimidating and haughty. Incredibly intelligent and able to work people and situations out at a glace, he excelled in seizing the opportunity in battle. Rupert was proud and confident, but well hidden inside; he was vulnerable and did not make friends easily. His main qualities were loyalty, transparent honesty and being honourable to the core. Rupert would never use his position to his own advantage, or corruption, but had a ruthless, bloody-minded streak, which re-enforced with his temper made his a dangerous enemy. His immense determination carried the Royalists through many a tough time. First Civil War Rupert entered England in 1642, aged 22 as General of the Horse, one of the four most senior officers under the King. His position however was reinforced by a clause, which stated he could only take orders from the King. Rupert commanded the first major skirmish of the war, Powick Bridge. In it, his lightening charge, driven with his impetuousness beat an enemy larger in number. This secured his own and the cavaliers reputations as fearsome, supreme and unbeatable. Rupert took part in many battles and sieges, taking Bristol for the Royalists in 1643. He enjoyed a chain of unbroken victories from 1642 until 1644, giving him the fearsome and invincible reputation. He was credited with being in more than one place at once, such fear did his enemies have of him. Many times Rupert offered the Royalists a chance of winning outright, but petty disputes and the ignorance of one or two men who were jealous, prevented him from getting the necessary support. Rupert spectacularly struck right into enemy territory, under their noses to win a skirmish at Chalgrove Field and relieved Newark in 1644, by a lightening march, with a hastily assembled force. After he narrowly lost the battle of Marston Moor, mainly due to the dalliance of Lord Eythin and being heavily outnumbered, Rupert was promoted to Lieutenant General. Characteristically refusing the top position under the King, Rupert asked that the Prince of Wales have the nominal title, but Rupert having the authority and work, which came with it. All through the war, men fought like demons for a place in a regiment commanded by Rupert. Such loyalty and devotion Rupert more than deserved, through his hard work. He would make every effort and fight at the forefront, inspiring and never overlooking even the smallest of tasks. By 1645, the royalists were losing and Parliament had invited the Scots in on their side, despite arguing that the King should not have got the Irish! Rupert advised against fighting the battle of Nasby, but he was overruled. The royalists lost this battle, the last chance they had of scrapping back ground. By now, Rupert rode away to defend Bristol, which was about to be besieged. After some fierce fighting, Rupert saw that Bristol was hopeless and further fighting would result in his men having no quarter. He surrendered after consulting his council of war, but the King was furious. Rupert was dismissed from all commands and told to leave the country by the King, after a sly and devious fop, Lord Digby, stirred up the Kings feelings. Rupert managed to see the King and a council of war judged him to be innocent. After further quarrels, Rupert made up with King Charles I, just before Charles surrendered to the Scots in 1646. After After the surrender of the King and then Oxford in 1646, Rupert left England for France, fighting briefly for that country. Characteristically, Rupert insisted on a clause, which declared that should events change in England, he was free to leave for his beloved uncles cause. After joining the Prince of Wales in Holland, he joined the royalist fleet, former Parliament ships who had revolted. He took over command on the Prince of Wales pressing and quickly got them into a fighting force, quelling many a mutiny with only his sheer force of personality. Rupert sailed the Atlantic and the Mediterranean for over four years, carrying the royalist torch when the others were extinguished. After the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Rupert returned to England to make it his home. He became a patron of the arts and developed many a scientific interest. Rupert also proved himself adept in mezzotint engraving. He fought in the restoration wars with Holland, both on sea and in the office of the Admiralty in London, with skill. Rupert was constantly involved in Restoration politics, attending the House of Lords regularly and sitting on many a committee and the Privy Council. He had two mistresses, Lady Francesca Bard and Peg Hughes, bearing him a son Dudley Rupert and a daughter Ruperta respectively. Peg was the longest relationship, up until his death in 1682, at the age of 62. Back to Table of Contents -- King or Parliament #1 Back to King or Parliament List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 2002 by Mark Turnbull. 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