Thomas Harrison (soldier)
Major General Thomas Harrison | |
|---|---|
| Nominated to Barebone's Parliament | |
| In office February 1653 – December 1653 | |
| Member of Parliament for Wendover | |
| In office May 1646 – April 1653 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1616 Newcastle-under-Lyme |
| Died | 13 October 1660 (aged 44) Tyburn |
| Cause of death | Executed |
| Spouse | Catherine Harrison (1646–his death) |
| Children | 3 died as infants |
| Occupation | Law clerk |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Parliamentarian |
| Rank | Major General |
| Battles/wars | |
Major-General Thomas Harrison (baptised 16 July 1616 - executed 13 October 1660) was a prominent member of the radical religious sect known as the Fifth Monarchists, and a soldier who fought for Parliament and the Commonwealth in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. One of those who approved the Execution of Charles I in January 1649, he was a strong supporter of Oliver Cromwell before the two fell out when The Protectorate was established in 1653. Following the 1660 Stuart Restoration, he was arrested, found guilty of treason as a regicide, and sentenced to death. He was hanged, drawn and quartered on 13 October 1660, facing his execution with a courage noted by various observers, including the diarist Samuel Pepys.