Richard Molyneux, 2nd Viscount Molyneux of Maryborough

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[disambiguation needed ] 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.

References

• Leigh Rayment's Peerage Pages [self-published source?][better source needed]

Molyneux family history

* Gisborne Molineux, Memoir of the Molineux Family (London, 1882)[1]

• From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Molyneux,_2nd_Viscount_Molyneux
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