Arthur Chichester, 1st Earl of Donegall facts for kids
Arthur Chichester, 1st Earl of Donegall (born 16 June 1606 – died 18 March 1675), was an important Anglo-Irish nobleman and soldier. He played a key role in the history of Ireland during his time.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Arthur Chichester was the oldest son of Edward Chichester, 1st Viscount Chichester. His family came from a place called Eggesford in Devon, England. His mother was Anne Copleston, who inherited the Eggesford estate.
A Life in Public Service
Arthur Chichester chose a career as a soldier. He was very good at it! Later, he became a politician.
- Serving in Parliament: In 1634, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Antrim in the Irish House of Commons. He was elected again in 1640.
- Putting Down a Rebellion: In 1641, there was a big rebellion in Ulster, a part of Ireland. Arthur Chichester showed great bravery and skill in helping to stop it.
- Joining the Privy Council: Because of his good work, he was invited to join the Privy Council of Ireland in 1643. This was a group of important advisors to the King in Ireland.
- Becoming an Earl: In 1647, he was given the special title of Earl of Donegall in the Peerage of Ireland. This was a very high honor, suggested by James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde, who was the King's main representative in Ireland.
- Taking on More Roles: A year later, he also became the 2nd Viscount Chichester after his father passed away. He was also made the Governor of Carrickfergus for life, which meant he was in charge of that important town and its castle.
- In the House of Lords: In 1661, he took his seat in the Irish House of Lords, which was the upper house of the Irish Parliament.
- Supporting Education: Arthur Chichester cared about learning. In 1668, he gave money to Trinity College Dublin to create a special teaching position for mathematics. This teaching position still exists today as an annual public lecture!
Family Life
Arthur Chichester was married three times during his life.
- First Marriage: His first wife was Dorcas Hill (1607–1630). They had one daughter together:
* Mary Chichester, who married John St Leger. Their son was Arthur St Leger, 1st Viscount Doneraile.
- Second Marriage: His second wife was Lady Mary Digby (died 1648). They had eight children, but sadly, all of them passed away when they were very young.
- Third Marriage: In 1651, he married Letitia Hicks. They had a son and a daughter who lived to adulthood, though four other daughters died young:
* William Chichester * Anne Chichester (died 1697), who married two important noblemen: first John Butler, 1st Earl of Gowran, and then Francis Aungier, 1st Earl of Longford.
Death and Legacy
Lord Donegall passed away in Belfast in 1675 after a short illness. He was buried in St Nicholas's Church in Carrickfergus.
Since all of his own sons had died young, his title of Earl of Donegall was passed on to his nephew, Arthur Chichester.
Images for kids
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Monument to the two first wives of Arthur, 1st Earl of Donegall (1606–1674/5), Eggesford Church, Devon.
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Arms of Chichester of Eggesford: Chequy or and gules, a chief vair a crescent sable for difference
