Arthur Rawdon facts for kids

Sir Arthur Rawdon, 2nd Baronet (born October 17, 1662 – died October 17, 1695) was an important Irish landowner. He helped build a big part of the town of Moira, County Down in the 1600s.

He was known as the "Father of Irish Gardening" because he loved plants. He brought over 400 different kinds of plants to Moira from Jamaica. He was also called "The Cock of the North".

Sir Arthur was also a soldier. He played a part in the Williamite War in Ireland, a big conflict in the late 1600s. After the Glorious Revolution in England, he helped create the Army of the North. This was a Protestant army that was against the Jacobite Irish Army.

Sir Arthur Rawdon's Life

Sir Arthur Rawdon's father was Sir George Rawdon, 1st Baronet. His mother was Dorothy, who was George's second wife. Dorothy was the daughter of Edward Conway, 2nd Viscount Conway.

Rawdon became a Member of Parliament for County Down in the Parliament of Ireland. This meant he was chosen to represent his area in the government. He also became a general in the army of King William III of England.

During a difficult time, he was surrounded by enemy forces at the Siege of Derry. He became very sick but managed to escape. After this, his time as a soldier ended.

He married Helena Graham, who was the daughter of Sir James Graham. They had at least two children, a son named John and a daughter named Isabella.

Rawdon's Estate and Gardens

Sir Arthur Rawdon took over the lands in Moira after his father passed away. He rebuilt a large house, or mansion, which was surrounded by many trees and fields for sheep. He also created huge gardens.

On his estate, Sir Arthur built the first "hot-house" in Europe. A hot-house is like a greenhouse that uses heat to grow plants, even in cold weather.

Rawdon was a very keen botanist, which means he studied plants. He brought 400 different plant types from Jamaica to Ireland. This is why he earned the name "Father of Irish Gardening." His garden was very special. It had a maze (called a labyrinth), ponds, and canals. Some of the trees were very tall, like the "Locust of Virginia," which was 30 feet high.

His amazing garden was kept beautiful for two generations after him.

Sir Arthur Rawdon's Legacy

Even today, many places in Moira are named after Sir Arthur Rawdon. For example, you can find Rawdon Court off Main Street in Moira. There is also Rawdon Place, which is a street with houses, located off Meeting Street.

Some parts of his old mansion can still be seen today.