Statue of Colonel Dukenfield

1619-1689

Sited in Dukinfield

Colonel Robert Dukenfield was born in 1619 to one of the oldest and most powerful families in the Tameside area. He was just 23 years old when the English Civil War broke out but went on to become a significant figure in the parliamentarian cause.

He joined William Brereton's camp at Nantwich, from which he fought in the ill fated battle of Middlewich in 1643, after which he was promoted as Brerton's Colonel. In 1644 he took part in the relief siege of Nantwich, fough with Prince Rupert in the defence of Stockport and in the siege of Beeston Castle.

Oliver Cromwell appointed Duckenfield Govenor of Chester Castle from 1648-1653. The highlight of his career came when he was called to serve in Cromwell's first parliament (known as Barebones Parliament), but by 1655 had become so disillusioned that he retired from politics and returned to Cheshire to play a minor role in local peacekeeping actions. He died in September 1689 and is buried in Denton.