Arthur French, 1st Baron de Freyne facts for kids
Arthur French, 1st Baron de Freyne (born 1786 – died September 29, 1856) was an important person in Irish and British politics. He was a Member of Parliament and later became a peer (a noble).
Arthur French was the oldest son of Arthur French and Margaret Costello. His family owned a lot of land in County Sligo and County Roscommon for many years.
Becoming a Politician
In 1821, Arthur French was elected to the Parliament for Roscommon. This was the same area his father had represented. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) until 1832.
A Noble Title
In 1839, Arthur French was given a special noble title: Baron de Freyne, of Artagh. This meant he became a 'peer' or a 'noble'. This first title was meant to pass down only to his sons.
Twelve years later, in 1851, he received another Baron title: Baron de Freyne, of Coolavin. This second title had a special rule. If he didn't have sons, it would pass to his three younger brothers: John, Charles, and Fitzstephen.
Important Roles
From 1855 until his death, he also served as the Lord Lieutenant of County Roscommon. This job was like being the King or Queen's main representative in the county.
Family and Legacy
Lord de Freyne married Mary McDermott in 1818. Sadly, Mary passed away in 1843. They did not have any children.
Arthur French died on September 29, 1856. Because he had no children, his first Baron title (from 1839) ended. However, his second Baron title (from 1851) went to his younger brother, John, just as planned by the special rule.
Coat of Arms
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Sources
- Kidd, Charles, Williamson, David (editors). Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage (1990 edition). New York: St Martin's Press, 1990,
- Leigh Rayment's Peerage Pages
- Leigh Rayment's Historical List of MPs
- David Beamish's Peerage Page
