Adam Loftus, 1st Viscount Lisburne facts for kids
Adam Loftus, 1st Viscount Lisburne (born 1647 – died 15 September 1691), was an important figure in Irish and English history. He was a nobleman from both English and Irish backgrounds, and he also served as a military leader.
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Early Life and Family
Adam Loftus was born in 1647. He was the second son of Sir Arthur Loftus, who lived at Rathfarnham in County Dublin. His mother was Lady Dorothy Boyle. Her father was Richard Boyle, who was the 1st Earl of Cork. Adam Loftus's grandfather was also named Adam Loftus, who was a well-known politician.
Public Service and Noble Titles
Adam Loftus held several important positions. He was in charge of Phoenix Park and other royal parks in Ireland. He also worked as a Master of the Court of Requests, which was a type of court.
In 1685, he became a member of the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of trusted advisors to the King in Ireland. On January 29, 1686, King James II gave him two special titles: Baron of Rathfarnham and Viscount Lisburne. These titles were part of the Peerage of Ireland, which meant he was a high-ranking nobleman.
Role in the Glorious Revolution
Even though Adam Loftus was a Roman Catholic, he chose to support the Whig side during the Glorious Revolution. This was a major event in 1688 when King James II was replaced by King William III and Queen Mary II. In 1689, Adam Loftus became the first Colonel of an English army group, the 39th (Dorsetshire) Regiment of Foot, and led them in Ireland.
Military Service and Death
Adam Loftus was a military commander. He fought in the Siege of Limerick in 1691. Sadly, he was killed during this siege on September 15, 1691, when he was hit by a cannonball.
Personal Life and Legacy
Adam Loftus was married twice. His first wife was Lucy, the daughter of George Brydges, 6th Baron Chandos. They had one daughter, also named Lucy. His second wife was Dorothy Allen.
Adam Loftus did not have any sons to inherit his titles. Because of this, when he died, both his titles, Baron of Rathfarnham and Viscount Lisburne, came to an end.
His daughter Lucy married Thomas Wharton, 1st Marquess of Wharton. Thomas Wharton was a very influential person in English politics from the 1690s until his death in 1715. It is believed that he wrote the words to a famous song called "Lilliburlero."
