[1] Bampfield was generally viewed as a competent soldier; even his critics agreed he was a 'man of wit and parts', who displayed energy and resourcefulness, included arranging the escape of James, Duke of York from his Parliamentarian guards in 1648.

He clearly possessed the ability to impress his superiors, successively acting as a trusted messenger between Charles I of England and the Scots, an agent for Oliver Cromwell and expert advisor to Dutch Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt.

When the First English Civil War began in August 1642, Bampfield was appointed major in a regiment raised by the Marquis of Hertford, Royalist commander in South West England.

[9] Although the Parliamentarian commander Sir William Waller attested to his stubborn defence, Hopton blamed Bampfield for the defeat and it was this version of events that later appeared in Clarendon's "History of the Rebellion".

He was assisted in this by Anne Halkett, who helped James disguise himself as a woman and escape to the Dutch Republic; the revolt was suppressed and Charles executed in January 1649, leading to the establishment of the Commonwealth of England.

Newton was badly wounded and Bampfield fled to Scotland, where the Covenanters had crowned Charles and were preparing the attempt to regain his English throne which ended at Worcester in August 1651.

With the two most powerful figures in the exiled court his personal opponents, Bampfield moved to Paris and began providing intelligence on Royalist plots to John Thurloe, chief spymaster for the Protectorate.

[15] He continued to advise de Witt, was appointed colonel in March 1671 and when the Franco-Dutch War began in May 1672 was based near Zwolle, a key position on the IJssel Line.

The Dutch were poorly prepared and major positions like Schenkenschanz fell without resistance; still remembered as the Rampjaar, or "Year of disaster", it initially seemed the French had achieved a stunning victory.

[16] Although twice acquitted and restored to his rank, this ended Bampfield's career; it is suggested factors included his association with de Witt and the enmity of Charles II, William's uncle.