Robert Ellice

Colonel Robert Ellice of Gwasnewydd (fl. 1640; occasionally spelt "Robert Ellis") was a Welsh professional soldier who served in the Royalist army in the English Civil War. Trained as a military engineer, during the war Ellice served largely in North Wales, which was strategically important due to ports giving access to Ireland. He was responsible for constructing much of the outer fortifications of Chester, but also served as a colonel of foot in engagements across the region. Life Ellice was born in Denbighshire to a minor gentry family, the son of Gruffydd Ellis ap Risiard of Bersham: the family claimed descent from mediaeval Welsh nobility through an illegitimate line. They were connected with several other landowning families locally, including the Lloyds of Bodidris.