Prince Rupert of the Rhine (1719-1682).

The most brilliant young general of the English Civil Wars: if the King had listened to him, he’d have won quite early on. He was very tall (even taller than his cousin, the future Charles II) and looked splendid in the clothes of the time. Rupert was such a magnificent horseman and fighter, the enemy began spreading rumors that he was a magician, able to appear in 2 places at once. He could ride through a hail of bullets and never be touched. He eventually took up a career as a pirate, with his ships being the last bit of English territory loyal to King Charles I. Sigh. When I visit London, I always bring red roses to Rupert’s tomb in Westminster Abbey.