Anne O'Brien, 2nd Countess of Orkney facts for kids

Anne O'Brien was a Scottish noblewoman who lived from 1696 to 1756. She was also known as the Countess of Inchiquin and the Countess of Orkney. Anne was the oldest daughter of George Hamilton, who was a very important military leader called a Field Marshal, and his wife, Elizabeth Villiers.

Anne O'Brien's Life

Her Family and Marriage

Anne was born Lady Anne Hamilton in 1696. Her father, George Hamilton, was the 1st Earl of Orkney. An "Earl" is a high-ranking noble title, and a "Countess" is the wife of an Earl or a woman who holds the title herself.

In 1720, Anne married her cousin, William O'Brien. He was the 4th Earl of Inchiquin. The Earl of Inchiquin was a very important leader in Ireland, known as the "Chief of the Name" for the O'Brien family. He was also called the Prince of Thomond and Lord of Dál gCais, which were old titles showing his family's long history and power in Ireland.

Anne's Children

Anne and William had several children together. Their daughter, Lady Mary, was born around 1721. She later became the 3rd Countess of Orkney after her mother.

Their other children included:

• William, Lord O'Brien (1725–1727)
• George, Lord O'Brien (born 1728; died as a baby)
• Augustus (died as a baby)
• Murrough, Viscount Kirkwall (died 1741, as a child)
• Anne (around 1721–1808)
• Frances (died 1740)
• Elizabeth (died 1741)

Sadly, many of their children passed away when they were very young. Murrough, Viscount Kirkwall, was expected to inherit another important title, the Earl of Thomond, but he died before that could happen.

Becoming Countess of Orkney

When her father, George Hamilton, the 1st Earl of Orkney, passed away, Anne inherited his title. She became the 2nd Countess of Orkney in 1737. This meant she held the title in her own right. She remained the Countess of Orkney until her death in 1756. After Anne passed away, her daughter, Lady Mary, became the 3rd Countess of Orkney.