Jacob Astley

Born: 1579, Norfolk
Died: 1652, Maidstone
Allegiance: Royalist
Position: Baron Astley

Astley had previous military experience in Flanders and Germany. He was made a Major-General of infantry in the Bishops' Wars.

He continued to hold this position in the royalist army when the civil wars began. He fought in this role at Edgehill, both the 1st and 2nd battles of Newbury, and at Naseby.

Astley is well remembered for his prayer before the battle of Edgehill:

"Lord, thou knowest how busy I must be this day. If I forget thee, do not thou forget me."

Astley finally surrendered at Stow-on-the-Wold in March 1646. Thereafter he lived in retirement.