Thomas Lunsford

Portrait of Lunsford. Thanks to Steve Manganiello. Born: 1611
Died: 1653
Allegiance: Royalist
Position: Governor of the Tower of London
Lunsford was born in Sussex. He was always known to be a hot head, having attempted to kill Sir Thomas Pelham with a pistol in 1633 - although his shot missed.

Having military experience from the French army and the Bishops' Wars , Lunsford used his knowledge to support Charles throughout the Civil Wars.

Lunsford was made Governor of the Tower of London in December 1641 to replace Sir William Balfour, a known supporter of Parliament. However, his reputation and conduct caused the London apprentices to insult him at every opportunity, which inevitably lead to a brawl. Parliament was outraged at the actions of Lunsford, who was eventually removed from his post just five days after he had taken it up.

Lunsford fought at Edgehill, but was captured and imprisioned until May 1644. He continued to fight for the Royalist cause, and was captured again at Hereford in December 1645. Released in 1648, he emigrated to Virginia the following year where he lived until his death.

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