EDWARD 1st Bt ACTON Sir

The Battle of Edge Hill took place on Sunday, October 23, 1642, and it marked a pivotal moment in the early stages of the English Civil War, which would go on to reshape the political landscape of England for generations. This battle was not merely a skirmish; it was the first significant clash between the Royalist forces, loyal to King Charles I, and the Parliamentarian army, which sought to limit the king's powers and assert parliamentary sovereignty. The engagement unfolded in the rolling hills of Warwickshire, where both sides had gathered their troops in anticipation of a confrontation that would set the tone for the conflict ahead.

Battle of Edge Hill 1642

Although the battle concluded without a clear winner, its immediate aftermath was marked by considerable casualties. The fighting resulted in the deaths of approximately 500 soldiers from both the Royalist and Parliamentarian forces, while around 1,500 were left injured, many of whom would carry the scars of battle for the rest of their lives. The lack of a decisive victory meant that both sides could claim some semblance of triumph, with the Royalists asserting that they had held their ground against the Parliamentarians, while the latter insisted that their ability to engage the king’s forces in battle was a significant achievement in itself. This dual claim to victory exemplified the deep-seated divisions and propaganda efforts that characterised the conflict.

The English Civil War is often divided into three distinct conflicts: the first phase, which lasted from 1642 to 1646, was characterized by a series of battles and shifting allegiances; the second conflict erupted in 1648, marked by the New Model Army's decisive actions; and the third phase, occurring from 1650 to 1651, culminated in the final defeat of the Royalists. Over these six tumultuous years, there were more than 600 battles and sieges, each contributing to the staggering loss of life and the profound societal changes that followed. The war not only decimated armies but also ravaged towns and communities, leading to widespread suffering among civilians caught in the crossfire.

Ultimately, the conflict concluded with a Parliamentarian victory, which fundamentally altered the course of English history. The execution of King Charles I in January 1649 was a watershed moment, as it marked the first time a reigning monarch had been tried and executed by his subjects. This act not only symbolised the triumph of parliamentary authority over royal prerogative but also set a precedent that would resonate through the ages, influencing future democratic movements around the world. The English Civil War thus stands as a critical chapter in the struggle for power and governance, highlighting the complexities of loyalty, ideology, and the quest for representation that would shape the future of England.

Under King Charles 1, Edward Acton served as a Colonel in the Royalist Brigadoons, was MP of Bridgnorth, and was created 1st Baronet Acton17 January 1644. He was born on July 20, 1600, and passed away on June 29, 1659. He was the son of Walter Acton and Francis Acton, the latter being the daughter of Edward Acton and Catherine Powell.

He was married to Sarah Mytton, daughter of Richard Mytton and Margaret Owen.

Edward and Sarah were parents to the following children:

1. Walter Acton, 2nd Baronet, born in 1620 and died in 1665, married Catherine Cressett (1629 - 1691), with whom he had children.

2. Edward Acton, born in 1622 and died in 1654.

3. Thomas Acton, born in 1624 and died in 1678, married Mable Stoner (1642 - 1684), with whom he had children.

4. William Acton, born in 1625 and died in 1657, married Mary Weaver (1633 - 1709), with whom he had children.

5. Robert Acton, born in 1628 and died in 1664.

6. Richard Acton, Captain, born in 1633 and died in 1674, married Lydea Pearson, with whom he had children.

A most fascinating fact about family history research is that in some cases, you may find yourself delving not only into the lives of your ancestors but also into the broader historical context that shaped their experiences and decisions. This intertwining of personal lineage with significant historical events can create a rich tapestry of understanding that connects individual stories to the larger narrative of a nation or community.

In my own journey of genealogical exploration, the name of Edward 1st Baronet Acton emerged as a significant figure within my family tree research. His name came into my family history in the usual manner, following the paper trail that included births, marriages, and deaths, while also benefiting from the contributions of fellow researchers who shared a common interest in our lineage. One particularly invaluable source of information was a researcher named Will Acton, who provided insights and data that were instrumental during the formative stages of my exploration into the Acton family’s past.

Will Acton proved to be a helpful source of information in my early days of researching the Actons' past, particularly regarding Sarah Acton, my 3rd great-grandmother. His knowledge and willingness to share resources opened up avenues of inquiry I had not previously considered, allowing me to piece together a more comprehensive view of our family history. Through his assistance, I began to uncover not only names and dates but also stories that breathed life into the dry facts of genealogy.

As I delved deeper into the historical records, I stumbled upon the tumultuous period of the English Civil War, a conflict that pitted Parliamentarians against Royalists. This exploration led me to learn about the ideological divides that characterised the era, as well as the personal stakes involved for those who lived through it. It was during this phase of my family research that I recognised my inclination toward Royalist sentiments, feeling a connection to the preservation of the monarchy and the historical significance it held for many families, including my own. Today, I have come to realise that much of the turmoil and controversy that is often highlighted in today’s press concerning the Royal family has deep historical roots, echoing the struggles and debates of the past.

Siege of Bridgnorth 1646

In this context, I find myself reflecting on my 9th Great Grandfather, Edward 1st Baronet Acton, who was not just a name in a family tree but a person of considerable historical significance. He served as a Colonel in the Royal Brigadeons, a position that placed him in the heart of some of the most critical battles of the English Civil War. His participation in the Battle of Edgehill, the Siege of Bridgnorth, and the Battle of Worcester illustrates the active role that my ancestors played in shaping the course of history. Each of these battles was marked by strategic importance and personal sacrifice, and understanding his involvement allows me to appreciate the complexities of his life and the era he lived in.

As I continue to explore the Acton lineage, I am increasingly aware of how family history research is not merely an exercise in tracing lineage but a gateway to understanding the larger historical narratives that have influenced our lives today. The stories of our ancestors, their struggles, loyalties, and contributions to significant historical events, enrich our understanding of who we are and where we come from, linking us to the past in profound and meaningful ways.

The Battle of Worcester 1651

Copyright © Noel Bond. Researched and written by Noel Bond, no written part of this Blog may be reproduced in any form, by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author.