Who was Edmund Ludlow and what is he primarily known for?

Edmund Ludlow was an English parliamentarian best known for his involvement in the execution of Charles I and for his posthumously published *Memoirs*, which serve as a significant historical source for the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

What were Edmund Ludlow's approximate birth and death dates and locations?

Edmund Ludlow was born around 1617 in Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire, England, and died in 1692 in Vevey, Switzerland.

What was Edmund Ludlow's political affiliation and profession?

Ludlow was associated with the Commonwealthsmen political party and worked as both a politician and a soldier.

What were Edmund Ludlow's early educational and legal experiences?

He matriculated at Trinity College, Oxford, in September 1634, graduated in 1636, and was admitted to the Inner Temple in 1638.

How did Edmund Ludlow become involved in the English Civil War?

At the start of the Civil War in 1642, Ludlow volunteered for the lifeguard of Lord Essex, participating in his first battle at Worcester on September 23, 1642, followed by Edgehill on October 23, 1642.

What was Edmund Ludlow's role at Wardour Castle during the Civil War?

In 1643, Ludlow became the governor of Wardour Castle for Sir Edward Hungerford's regiment, but he was forced to surrender it to Royalists after a tenacious three-month defense on March 18, 1644.

What were Edmund Ludlow's religious and political beliefs during the Civil War era?

Ludlow was a Baptist and a Calvinist predestinarian, whose political views were deeply intertwined with providentialist and apocalyptic religious ideas.

What was Edmund Ludlow's stance on negotiations with Charles I and his role in Pride's Purge?

Ludlow opposed negotiations with Charles I and was one of the chief promoters of Pride's Purge in 1648, an event that removed members of Parliament deemed unsympathetic to the army's cause.

What was Edmund Ludlow's direct involvement in the trial and execution of Charles I?

Ludlow was one of the king's judges and signed the death warrant for Charles I.

When was Edmund Ludlow appointed to the Council of State after the establishment of the Commonwealth?

He was elected a member of the new Council of State in February 1649, shortly after the Commonwealth was declared.

What was Edmund Ludlow's military role in the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland?

After Oliver Cromwell returned from Ireland, he appointed Ludlow as lieutenant-general of horse and second-in-command to Henry Ireton in Parliament's campaign there. Ludlow held chief command after Ireton's death until October 1652.

What famous quote is attributed to Edmund Ludlow regarding the landscape of the Burren in County Clare?

During counter-guerrilla operations in the Burren in 1651-52, Ludlow famously described it as 'a country where there is not enough water to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury him.'

How did Edmund Ludlow react to Oliver Cromwell becoming Lord Protector?

While disapproving of Cromwell's dissolution of the Rump Parliament in April 1653, Ludlow initially maintained his employment. However, he declined to acknowledge Cromwell's authority once he was declared Lord Protector.

What was the core of Edmund Ludlow's disagreement with Oliver Cromwell's rule?

Ludlow believed Cromwell pursued ambitious designs and that the people who had engaged in the revolution sought to be governed by their own consent, which he felt Cromwell's rule violated. He stated, 'It were easy... to tell what we would have. That which we fought for, that the nation might be governed by its own consent.'

What happened to Edmund Ludlow when he returned to England in October 1655 after his service in Ireland?

Upon returning to England, Ludlow was arrested because he refused to submit to the government established under Cromwell's Protectorate and was allowed to retire to Essex only after refusing to comply.

What was Edmund Ludlow's political activity during the period following Oliver Cromwell's death?

Ludlow was returned as the Member of Parliament for Hindon in Richard Cromwell's Parliament of 1659 and opposed the continuation of the Protectorate. He subsequently sat in the restored Rump Parliament and served on its Council of State.

What was the Wallingford House party, and what was their role in the lead-up to the Restoration?

The Wallingford House party was a strong faction within the army that pressured Parliament to restore the Long Parliament, aiming to establish a Commonwealth government and satisfy the people's desire for equal and just governance.

What military command was Edmund Ludlow given by the restored Rump Parliament in July 1659?

Ludlow was appointed commander-in-chief of all forces in Ireland and made Lieutenant-General of the Horse by the restored Rump Parliament.

What were Edmund Ludlow's efforts to reconcile the army and Parliament in late 1659?

Upon returning to England in October 1659, Ludlow attempted to support the republican cause by reconciling the army with Parliament, but these efforts failed due to divisions and corruption among various factions.

What factors contributed to the failure of Ludlow's reconciliation attempts between the army and Parliament?

The failure was primarily due to deep divisions and corruption within the military, legal, and Presbyterian factions, each fearing that other groups would dominate a republic established on their own terms, and a lack of trust between the army and Parliament.

What was George Monck's role in the events leading up to the Restoration?

George Monck was a general who played a pivotal role in the English Restoration. He marched his army to London and, by skillfully maneuvering between different political factions while keeping his true intentions secret, ultimately facilitated the return of King Charles II to the throne.

Why was Edmund Ludlow's election to the Convention Parliament in 1660 annulled?

His election was annulled because Parliament ruled that all individuals who had been judges of Charles I during his trial should be arrested, and Ludlow was not protected under the Pardon, Indemnity and Oblivion Act.

Where did Edmund Ludlow escape to after the Restoration?

After surrendering himself to the Speaker, Ludlow escaped to Dieppe, France, and then traveled through Geneva and Lausanne before settling in Vevey, Switzerland.

What pseudonym did Edmund Ludlow adopt during his exile?

For security reasons, he adopted the pseudonym Edmund Phillips, which was derived from a variation of his mother's maiden name.

What prompted Edmund Ludlow to return to England in 1689, and what was the outcome?

The prospect of a return opened up after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. However, upon his return, he was remembered as a regicide, and the House of Commons requested William III to issue a proclamation for his arrest.

Where did Edmund Ludlow spend the latter part of his life and where did he die?

He spent much of his later life in exile in Vevey, Switzerland, where he died in 1692.

What is inscribed on the house where Edmund Ludlow lived in Vevey, and what does it mean?

The inscription on his house was 'omne solum forti patria, quia patris,' a Christianized version of an Ovidian line meaning 'to the brave man every land is a fatherland because God his father made it.'

What was the title of Edmund Ludlow's autobiography written during his exile?

His autobiography, written during his exile, was titled *A voyce from the watch tower*.

How was Edmund Ludlow's *Memoirs* published, and what significant changes were made from his original manuscript?

A heavily rewritten and shortened version of his *Memoirs* was published posthumously in 1698-1699. This version largely removed his puritanism and recast him as a Whig-like secular republican, differing significantly from his original manuscript.

What is the historical significance of Edmund Ludlow's *Memoirs*?

Until the rediscovery of Ludlow's original manuscript in the 1970s, the *Memoirs* were widely assumed to be authentic and were used as a major source for historians studying the seventeenth century, despite the alterations made in the published version.

What were the 'Wars of the Three Kingdoms'?

The Wars of the Three Kingdoms refer to a series of conflicts fought in England, Scotland, and Ireland between 1639 and 1653, involving Parliamentarians, Royalists, Covenanters, and Irish Confederates. Edmund Ludlow was a participant in these wars.

Who was Henry Cromwell, and what was his relationship to Oliver Cromwell?

Henry Cromwell was the son of Oliver Cromwell and served as Lord Deputy of Ireland before Edmund Ludlow took over as Commander-in-chief of Ireland following Ireton's death.

What was the significance of 'Pride's Purge' in 1648?

Pride's Purge was an event where Colonel Thomas Pride, acting on behalf of the army, prevented members of the Long Parliament who were deemed unsympathetic to the army's aims from entering the chamber, thereby ensuring the remaining Parliament could proceed with the trial of King Charles I.

What was the 'Commonwealth of England'?

The Commonwealth of England was the period from 1649 to 1660 when England was governed as a republic, following the execution of King Charles I and the abolition of the monarchy and the House of Lords.

What was the 'Protectorate' established by Oliver Cromwell?

The Protectorate was the period from 1653 to 1659 when England, Scotland, and Ireland were governed by Oliver Cromwell and later his son Richard Cromwell as Lord Protector, following the dissolution of the Rump Parliament and the failure of Barebone's Parliament.

What was the 'Restoration' in the context of English history?

The Restoration refers to the re-establishment of the monarchy in England in 1660 with the return of King Charles II, following the period of the Commonwealth and Protectorate.

Who was George Monck and what role did he play in the Restoration?

George Monck was a general who played a pivotal role in the English Restoration. He marched his army to London and, by skillfully maneuvering between different political factions while keeping his true intentions secret, ultimately facilitated the return of King Charles II to the throne.

What was the 'Good Old Cause'?

The 'Good Old Cause' was a slogan and political ideology used by supporters of the English republican movement during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and the Interregnum, advocating for a commonwealth government free from monarchy and hereditary aristocracy.

What was the significance of the *Memoirs of Edmund Ludlow* being published in a rewritten form?

The rewritten *Memoirs* altered Ludlow's original puritanical and republican views to present him as a secular, Whig-like figure, which misled historians for centuries until the original manuscript was rediscovered, prompting a reassessment of his historical portrayal.

What does the inscription 'omne solum forti patria, quia patris' signify in the context of Edmund Ludlow's exile?

This inscription, meaning 'to the brave man every land is a fatherland,' reflects Ludlow's resilience and his philosophical outlook during his exile in Switzerland, suggesting that a courageous person can find a home anywhere.

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Who Was Edmund Ludlow?

A Parliamentarian's Resolve

Edmund Ludlow (c. 1617–1692) was a prominent English parliamentarian, renowned for his steadfast involvement in the execution of Charles I and his influential posthumously published Memoirs. These writings have become a critical source for understanding the tumultuous period of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms.

Military and Political Career

Ludlow served as a Member of Parliament during the Long Parliament and fought in the Parliamentary armies throughout the English Civil Wars. Following the establishment of the Commonwealth, he held significant military command in Ireland. His political convictions led him to break with Oliver Cromwell over the establishment of the Protectorate.

Exile and Legacy

After the Restoration, Ludlow faced political persecution and spent much of his later life in exile in Switzerland. Despite attempts to return, his past as a regicide led to further flight. His legacy is primarily tied to his detailed, albeit later edited, memoirs, which offer a unique perspective on the revolutionary era.

Early Life and Education

Origins in Wiltshire

Born around 1617 in Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire, Edmund Ludlow was the son of Sir Henry Ludlow. His early education included matriculation at Trinity College, Oxford, in 1634, followed by graduation in 1636. He later pursued legal studies, being admitted to the Inner Temple in 1638.

Seeds of Political Thought

Ludlow's background and education provided a foundation for his later political and religious views. His association with the Inner Temple exposed him to legal and political discourse, while his family's standing likely influenced his engagement with the burgeoning parliamentary cause.

The English Civil Wars

Early Engagements

Ludlow joined the Parliamentary cause as a volunteer in Lord Essex's lifeguard at the outset of the Civil War in 1642. He participated in early battles, including Worcester and Edgehill. By 1643, he served as captain of a troop of horse for Sir Edward Hungerford's regiment.

Defence and Capture

He was appointed governor of Wardour Castle in 1643 but was forced to surrender it to Royalist forces after a determined three-month defense in March 1644. Following his exchange, he continued his service as a major in Sir Arthur Hesilrige's regiment of horse.

Parliamentarian and Radical

Elected as Member of Parliament for Wiltshire in 1646, Ludlow became associated with the Independent faction, aligning with radical critics of the monarchy like Henry Marten. His religious convictions as a Baptist and Calvinist predestinarian were deeply intertwined with his political ideals.

Role in the King's Trial

Ludlow actively opposed negotiations with Charles I. He was a key proponent of Pride's Purge in 1648 and served as one of the judges who signed the death warrant for the king's execution. He was subsequently elected to the new Council of State in 1649.

Campaign in Ireland

Second-in-Command

After Oliver Cromwell's departure from Ireland in 1650, Ludlow was appointed lieutenant-general of horse and second-in-command to Henry Ireton. He dedicated himself fully to the campaign, investing considerable personal resources.

Completing the Conquest

Following Ireton's death in November 1651, Ludlow assumed chief command. He was instrumental in largely completing the conquest of Ireland. His operations often involved counter-guerrilla tactics against Irish "tories," including destroying crops and supplies.

Observations on the Burren

During his counter-guerrilla operations in the Burren region of County Clare in 1651–52, Ludlow made a notable observation: "It is a country where there is not enough water to drown a man, wood enough to hang one, nor earth enough to bury him." This stark description highlights the challenging terrain.

Transition of Command

Ludlow relinquished his command to Charles Fleetwood in October 1652, having effectively concluded the military campaign in Ireland.

The Protectorate Era

Opposition to Cromwell

Although Ludlow continued his employment after Cromwell dissolved the Rump Parliament in April 1653, he refused to acknowledge Cromwell's authority as Lord Protector. Ludlow believed Cromwell's actions undermined the principle of government by consent, stating that the nation had fought for self-governance.

Ludlow articulated his stance: "Pray then,' said he [Cromwell], 'what is it that you would have? May not every man be as good as he will? What can you desire more than you have?' 'It were easy,' said I, 'to tell what we would have.' 'What is that, I pray?' said he. 'That which we fought for,' said I, 'that the nation might be governed by its own consent.'"

Arrest and Retirement

Upon returning to England in October 1655, Ludlow was arrested for his non-compliance. He was subsequently allowed to retire to Essex after refusing to submit to the Protectorate government.

Return to Parliament

Following Oliver Cromwell's death, Ludlow was elected to represent Hindon in Richard Cromwell's Parliament in 1659. He continued to oppose the Protectorate and sat in the restored Rump Parliament, serving on its Council of State and Committee of Safety.

Opposition to the Restoration

Attempts at Reconciliation

In July 1659, Ludlow was appointed commander-in-chief of all forces in Ireland by the restored Rump Parliament. He attempted to reconcile the army factions with Parliament, advocating for the republican cause. However, divisions and perceived corruption within various factions hampered these efforts.

Shifting Power Dynamics

Ludlow's efforts to bridge the gap between the Wallingford House party (army faction) and Parliament proved unsuccessful. The eventual arrival of General George Monck's army in London, which paved the way for the English Restoration, signaled the end of the republican experiment. Monck's actions, perceived as supporting Parliament, ultimately led to the restoration of King Charles II.

Facing Impeachment

Returning to England in January 1660, Ludlow found himself facing impeachment by Parliament. His republican allies had largely lost power, leaving him vulnerable. His commission was recalled, and his influence waned as the political landscape shifted dramatically towards the monarchy.

Exile and Later Life

Flight to Switzerland

Ludlow took his seat in the Convention Parliament but his election was annulled due to his role as a regicide. Not covered by the Act of Pardon, Indemnity, and Oblivion, he escaped arrest by fleeing to Dieppe, France, and subsequently traveled to Geneva, Lausanne, and finally Vevey, Switzerland. He lived under the pseudonym Edmund Phillips for security.

Life in Exile

In 1662, the canton of Bern granted Ludlow and fellow fugitives protection. His wife joined him in 1663. He spent the remainder of his life in Vevey, Switzerland, where he died in 1692.

Attempted Return

Following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Ludlow returned to England in 1689. However, he was still recognized as a regicide, and an address from the House of Commons led to a proclamation for his arrest. He escaped once more, returning to Vevey.

Reputation and Writings

The Memoirs

During his exile, Ludlow authored an autobiography titled A voyce from the watch tower. A significantly rewritten and shortened version, The Memoirs of Edmund Ludlow, was published posthumously in 1698–99. This version, possibly edited by John Toland, downplayed Ludlow's puritanism and presented him in a more secular, Whig-like republican light.

Until the 1970s, the Memoirs were widely accepted as Ludlow's authentic account and served as a primary source for historians of the 17th century. The rediscovery of Ludlow's original manuscript prompted a reassessment of the published version's accuracy and editorial modifications.

The original manuscript of A voyce from the watch tower, covering 1660–1677, was discovered at Warwick Castle and is now housed in the Bodleian Library.

Published Works

In addition to his memoirs, four pamphlets published in Ludlow's name between 1691 and 1693 contributed to the Whig cause. Attributions for these pamphlets vary, with potential authors including Slingsby Bethel, John Phillips, Thomas Percival, and John Toland.

Enduring Influence

Ludlow's writings, particularly the Memoirs, provide invaluable insights into the political and military landscape of the English Civil Wars and the Commonwealth. Despite editorial alterations, they remain a significant resource for understanding the motivations and experiences of a key Parliamentarian figure.

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References

The Memoirs of Edmund Ludlow, Lieutenant-General of the Horse in the Army of the Commonwealth of England 1625â1672 Edited with Appendices of Letters and Illustrative Documents by C. A. Firth, M.A., in two volumes. v. II p. 7.

A True Narrative of the late proceedings in Parliament, Councell of State, General Councell of the Army and Committee of Safety

Answered in two pamphlets by E.D.: 'A true relation of the state of the case between the ever-honorable Parliament and the officers of the army'; and 'The Declaration of the officers of the army, opened, examined and condemned.'

A full list of references for this article are available at the Edmund Ludlow Wikipedia page

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Edmund Ludlow: A Parliamentarian's Journey Through Revolution

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Who Was Edmund Ludlow? 👤

📜 A Parliamentarian's Resolve

⚔️ Military and Political Career

🧭 Exile and Legacy

Early Life and Education 🎓

🏡 Origins in Wiltshire

⚖️ Seeds of Political Thought

The English Civil Wars ⚔️

🛡️ Early Engagements

🏰 Defence and Capture

🏛️ Parliamentarian and Radical

👑 Role in the King's Trial

Campaign in Ireland 🏰

🎖️ Second-in-Command

🗺️ Completing the Conquest

⛰️ Observations on the Burren

🤝 Transition of Command

The Protectorate Era ⚖️

🚫 Opposition to Cromwell

🔒 Arrest and Retirement

🔄 Return to Parliament

Opposition to the Restoration 👑

🤝 Attempts at Reconciliation

📉 Shifting Power Dynamics

⚖️ Facing Impeachment

Exile and Later Life 🧭

✈️ Flight to Switzerland

🇨🇭 Life in Exile

🇬🇧 Attempted Return

Reputation and Writings ✍️

📖 The Memoirs

🗣️ Published Works

🌍 Enduring Influence

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

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❓ Test Your Knowledge! ❓

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References

📜 References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Who Was Edmund Ludlow?

A Parliamentarian's Resolve

Military and Political Career

Exile and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Origins in Wiltshire

Seeds of Political Thought

The English Civil Wars

Early Engagements

Defence and Capture

Parliamentarian and Radical

Role in the King's Trial

Campaign in Ireland

Second-in-Command

Completing the Conquest

Observations on the Burren

Transition of Command

The Protectorate Era

Opposition to Cromwell

Arrest and Retirement

Return to Parliament

Opposition to the Restoration

Attempts at Reconciliation

Shifting Power Dynamics

Facing Impeachment

Exile and Later Life

Flight to Switzerland

Life in Exile

Attempted Return

Reputation and Writings

The Memoirs

Published Works

Enduring Influence

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice