James Chudleigh

Colonel James Chudleigh (c. 1618 – 6 December 1643) was an English military officer, who served in the First English Civil War. Initially appointed to command the Parliamentarian garrison at Barnstaple, he showed considerable ability, and was quickly promoted. Wounded and captured after the Royalist victory at the Battle of Stratton in May 1643, he changed sides, possibly as a result of being accused of responsibility for the defeat. His father, Sir George Chudleigh was also a Parliamentarian commander and switched sides at the same time. On 30 September 1643, Chudleigh was wounded in a Royalist attack on Dartmouth, where he died on 6 October. Personal details James Chudleigh was the fourth of nine sons of Sir George Chudleigh, and his wife Mary Strode (1586–1645). The family were members of the Devon gentry; his father was a Member of Parliament, and purchased a baronetcy in 1622. James was born in 1618 at Ashton Manor, a family possession from 1320 until 1735.