John Byron

Born: 1599, Nottinghamshire
Died: 23rd August 1652, Paris, France
Allegiance: Royalist
Position: 1st Baron Byron, Commander-in-Chief Lancashire & Cheshire

Byron was the eldest of seven brothers, born to a wealthy family. He gained some military experience in the Bishops' War of 1640.

He was MP for Nottingham before the wars, but joined the royalist cause. All seven brothers fought for Charles I in the first war.

Byron commanded a regiment at Edgehill, Roundway Down and the 1st battle of Newbury. He was then made 1st Baron Byron and appointed commander-in-chief of Lancashire and Cheshire.

He also fought at Marston Moor, where his cavalry lost out to Cromwell's troopers.

After this defeat, he defended Chester and then Caernarvon until they fell to siege. He then fled from the country.

Byron returned to Wales in the second war (1648) hoping to raise support for the royalist cause, but little was forthcoming. He returned to exile and died in Paris.