Francis Lascelles (disambiguation)

**Francis Lascelles (disambiguation)**

**Definition:**
The name Francis Lascelles refers to several historical figures primarily associated with British history, notably in the 17th and 18th centuries. These individuals held various roles including military officers, politicians, and landowners, often connected to the prominent Lascelles family.

# Francis Lascelles (disambiguation)

The name Francis Lascelles is associated with multiple individuals from British history, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. Members of the Lascelles family bearing this name were involved in military, political, and social spheres, reflecting the family’s longstanding prominence in England. This article provides an overview of notable persons named Francis Lascelles, outlining their lives, careers, and historical significance.

## Overview of the Lascelles Family

The Lascelles family is an English aristocratic lineage with roots tracing back to the medieval period. Over centuries, the family accumulated wealth and influence, particularly in Yorkshire and later in other parts of England. The Lascelles family has produced several notable figures in British history, including politicians, military officers, and landowners. The recurrence of the name Francis within the family reflects a tradition of naming that can sometimes cause confusion in historical records, necessitating disambiguation.

## Notable Individuals Named Francis Lascelles

### Francis Lascelles (1612–1667) – Parliamentarian Officer and Regicide

#### Early Life and Background
Francis Lascelles was born in 1612 into the Lascelles family of Yorkshire. He was the son of Thomas Lascelles of Northallerton, a member of a well-established gentry family. His early life was shaped by the political and religious upheavals of early 17th-century England.

#### Military and Political Career
Lascelles became a prominent Parliamentarian officer during the English Civil War (1642–1651). He served in the Parliamentary army, which opposed King Charles I. His military service was marked by participation in key battles and campaigns that contributed to the eventual defeat of Royalist forces.

#### Role in the Trial and Execution of Charles I
Francis Lascelles is historically significant for his involvement in the trial of King Charles I. He was appointed as one of the commissioners (judges) for the High Court of Justice established to try the king for treason. Although he did not sign the death warrant, his participation in the trial associates him with the regicide, a term used for those responsible for the execution of Charles I in 1649.

#### Later Life and Death
Following the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, individuals involved in the regicide were often persecuted. Lascelles managed to avoid severe punishment, possibly due to his limited role in the execution itself. He died in 1667.

### Francis Lascelles (died 1724) – British Army Officer and Politician

#### Background and Family
This Francis Lascelles was a descendant of the Yorkshire Lascelles family, active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His exact birth date is not well documented, but he died in 1724.

#### Military Career
He served as an officer in the British Army during a period marked by the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714) and other military conflicts. His service contributed to the expansion and maintenance of British military interests during the early 18th century.

#### Political Involvement
In addition to his military career, Francis Lascelles was involved in politics. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Northallerton, a constituency in Yorkshire traditionally associated with the Lascelles family. His tenure in Parliament reflected the family’s continued influence in regional and national affairs.

#### Death and Legacy
Francis Lascelles died in 1724. His contributions to military and political life exemplify the dual roles often held by members of the landed gentry during this period.

### Francis Lascelles (1744–1799) – Landowner and Member of Parliament

#### Early Life and Family Background
Born in 1744, this Francis Lascelles was part of the later generations of the Lascelles family. He inherited significant estates and was involved in managing family properties.

#### Political Career
He served as a Member of Parliament for Northallerton, continuing the family’s parliamentary tradition. His political career took place during a period of significant change in Britain, including the American Revolutionary War and early industrial developments.

#### Landownership and Social Role
As a landowner, Francis Lascelles played a role in local governance and social affairs. His management of estates contributed to the economic stability and social standing of the Lascelles family.

#### Death
He died in 1799, leaving behind a legacy tied to both political service and land management.

## Other Individuals Named Francis Lascelles

While the three individuals above are the most historically prominent, other lesser-known persons named Francis Lascelles have appeared in historical records, often as minor landowners, military officers, or local officials. Due to the commonality of the name within the family, precise identification can be challenging without additional context.

## The Lascelles Family and Historical Context

### The English Civil War and the Lascelles Family
The involvement of Francis Lascelles (1612–1667) in the English Civil War and the regicide of Charles I places the family at the heart of one of England’s most turbulent periods. The war pitted Royalists against Parliamentarians, leading to the temporary overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell.

### 18th Century Military and Political Engagement
The later Francis Lascelles figures reflect the family’s adaptation to the evolving political landscape of Britain. Their military service and parliamentary roles during the 18th century coincide with Britain’s rise as a global power, marked by colonial expansion and internal political reform.

### Landownership and Social Influence
Throughout these centuries, the Lascelles family maintained significant landholdings, which underpinned their social status and political influence. The management of estates was a critical aspect of their identity and power.

## Summary of Key Individuals

| Name | Lifespan | Roles and Significance |
|——————————|—————|——————————————————–|
| Francis Lascelles (1612–1667) | 1612–1667 | Parliamentarian officer, regicide commissioner |
| Francis Lascelles (died 1724) | ?–1724 | British Army officer, Member of Parliament for Northallerton |
| Francis Lascelles (1744–1799) | 1744–1799 | Landowner, Member of Parliament for Northallerton |

## Conclusion

The name Francis Lascelles identifies several individuals connected by family lineage and shared involvement in military, political, and social spheres of British history. From the tumultuous era of the English Civil War to the political developments of the 18th century, these men exemplify the roles played by the English gentry in shaping the nation’s history. Understanding the distinctions among them is essential for accurate historical scholarship and appreciation of the Lascelles family’s legacy.

**Meta Description:**
This article clarifies the identities of several historical figures named Francis Lascelles, highlighting their roles in British military, political, and social history from the 17th to 18th centuries.