Edward Popham

[5] In 1636, Edward Popham was lieutenant of Henrietta Maria in the fleet under the Algernon, Earl of Northumberland,[6] and, in March 1637, was promoted to be captain of Fifth Whelp.

[8] In 1639, Popham commanded a ship, possibly the Rainbow, in the fleet with Sir John Penington in the Downs, and was one of those who signed the narrative of occurrences sent to the Earl of Northumberland.

In May 1643, Colonel Popham commanded "a good strength of horse and foot" in Dorset,[10] and relieved Dorchester, then threatened by Prince Maurice.

[13] On 11 June 1645, he was desired to repair to Romsey, take command of the troops assembling there for the relief of Taunton, and follow the orders of Colonel Sir Edward Massey.

[10] On 17 July 1648, he had instructions to accompany Robert, Earl of Warwick, the lord admiral to sea, the Charles, Prince of Wales having a squadron on the coast.

[10] During 1649, Popham commanded in the Downs and North Sea, where privateers of all nations, with letters of marque from the Prince of Wales, were preying on east coast merchant ships.

His brother Alexander undertakes to raise one regiment of horse, one of dragoons, and two of foot in the west; but good conditions, authentically offered, might persuade them both to do righteous things.

"[16] With eight ships, Popham put to sea in the last days of April and, having joined Blake, the two were together on board the Resolution when, on 26 July, Rupert tried to escape out of the Tagus.

[17] In November, Popham returned to England,[18] and shortly afterwards resumed his station in the Downs in command of the ships in the North Sea.

At the same time, Sir Henry Vane the younger was ordered "to go to Mrs. Popham from the council and condole with her on the loss of her husband, and to let her know what a memory they have of his services, and that they will upon all occasions be ready to show respect to his relations".

[20] Popham was buried at the expense of the state in Westminster Abbey in Henry VII's chapel, where a monument in black and white marble was erected to his memory.