Roger Ludlow
Photo: Sculpture: C. Carolus Photograph: Gregbard, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons12

Roger Ludlow

English lawyer, founder and deputy governor of Connecticut Colony

Roger Ludlow (1590–1664/1668) was an English lawyer, magistrate, military officer, and colonist. He was active in the founding of the Colony of Connecticut, and helped draft laws for it and the nearby Massachusetts Bay Colony.2

From Wikipedia’s article on Roger Ludlow (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Born Mar 1590, died 1664.1

About

Under his and John Mason's direction, Boston's first fortification, later known as Castle William and then Fort Independence was built on Castle Island in Boston harbor. Frequently at odds with his peers, he eventually also founded Fairfield and Norwalk before leaving New England entirely.

After a brief sojourn in Virginia, Ludlow returned to Europe, where he was appointed by a commission distributing seized and forfeited property in the aftermath of Oliver Cromwell's conquest of Ireland. He was also appointed a magistrate administering justice in Dublin, where he is believed to have died.

From Wikipedia’s article on Roger Ludlow, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Companies

Early life and education

  • Date not recordedBalliol College3

He was born in March 1590 in Dinton, Wiltshire, England. Roger was the second son of Sir Thomas Ludlow of Maiden Bradley, Wiltshire and Jane Pyle, sister of Sir Gabriel Pyle. He matriculated at Balliol College, Oxford in 1609 or 1610, and was admitted to the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in 1612.

Ludlow sailed to America in May 1630 aboard the ship Mary & John with his wife Mary Cogan, a sister-in-law of Governor John Endicott of Massachusetts. They settled at Dorchester, Massachusetts, where they remained for five years. During that period he was chosen magistrate in the Court of Assistants for the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was elected as Deputy Governor in 1634. During this time Ludlow successfully negotiated the first treaty between the English and the Pequot. In 1635 he was defeated by John Haynes for Governor.

From Wikipedia’s article on Roger Ludlow (this version), CC BY-SA 4.0.

Career

Occupation: lawyer.7

  • Date not recordedFounded Norwalk4
  • Date not recordedFounded Fairfield5
  • Date not recordedLieutenant Governor of Connecticut6

Personal life

  • BornMar 1590, Dinton8
  • Died1664, Dublin9
  • CitizenshipUnited States10