17th Century England

Lesson 7: The Road to War 1642

Prince Rupert

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 excelled at art and languages at university in Holland.

By 1632, his father had died and Rupert had already started studying arms and soldiering.

He had been an exile after his father was forced out of his lands in Bohemia and the Palatine. The English people had become sympathetic to his family's plight, often volunteering to fight for them or organising money. They remembered that his mother, Elizabeth, was their King James's daughter and Charles I's sister.

Rupert gained military experience fighting in the siege of Breda and other battles. In 1638 he was captured and imprisoned by the Austrian Holy Roman Empire, refusing to change his religion or forsake his family for his release. Release came in 1641, mainly by his uncle King Charles’ intervention, but his determination had won the life-long respect of the Emperor.

Rupert’s character was complex. He stood at around 6'4", slim and good-looking. His exquisite dress and violent temper made him appear intimidating and haughty. Incredibly intelligent and able to understand people and situations out at a glance, he excelled in seizing the opportunity in battle.

Rupert was proud and confident, but what was well hidden inside was vulnerability, and he sometimes 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 surrender to corruption. But he had a ruthless, bloody-minded streak, which, when re-enforced with his temper, made him a dangerous enemy. His immense determination carried the Royalists through many a tough time.

Rupert had learned his soldiering on the continent, where warfare was more brutal than the English had seen. He had displayed several acts of bravery and he became associated with soldiering.

He had visited England once in 1632, with his brother. Then, he had made a great impression on the English court, for his charming personality and elegant dress. The ladies were impressed by him and he got on well with his uncle and aunt, Charles I and Henrietta Maria. So much so, that he formed a strong bond with his uncle that was never to be broken. They were close and understood each other, despite being poles apart in character.

Charles valued Rupert's adoration and Rupert fell in love with England and the spectacular and glittering court. He toured the large houses and got familiar with the important people of the country. King Charles could rely on this nephew, who was an able soldier.

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