Essex, Robert Devereux, 3rd earl

Essex, Robert Devereux, 3rd earl of

(born 1591, London, Eng.—died Sept. 14, 1646, London) English military commander. Son of the 2nd earl of Essex, he began his military career in 1620 and commanded forces for Charles I until the Long Parliament deposed Charles's ministers (1640). As the English Civil Wars began, he was appointed to command the Parliamentary army. He fought against the Royalists at the indecisive Battle of Edgehill (1642) and advanced on London in 1643. His army was besieged at Lostwithiel, Cornwall, in 1644, and all surrendered except Essex, who escaped by sea. He resigned his command in 1645.