Brabazon Ponsonby, 1st Earl of Bessborough facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Bessborough
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|---|---|
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| Born | 1679 |
| Died | 4 July 1758 (age 78–79) |
| Noble family | Ponsonby |
| Spouse(s) |
Sarah Colvill
(m. 1704; died 1733)Elizabeth Moore
(m. 1733; died 1738) |
| Issue |
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| Father | William Ponsonby, 1st Viscount Duncannon |
| Mother | Mary Moore |
| Occupation | Politician, peer |
Brabazon Ponsonby, 1st Earl of Bessborough (1679 – 4 July 1758) was an important British politician. He was also a peer, which means he held a special noble title.
Brabazon was the son of William Ponsonby, 1st Viscount Duncannon. He was very active in politics from 1705 to 1757. He worked in both Great Britain and Ireland. He was a representative for Newtownards and County Kildare in the Irish House of Commons. This was like being a member of parliament.
In 1724, he inherited his father's title, becoming the Viscount Duncannon. Later, in 1739, he was given the new title of Earl of Bessborough. He is buried in Fiddown, County Kilkenny, Ireland.
Ponsonby married Sarah Margetson. Her family owned a large estate called Bishopscourt, County Kildare. His family lived there for many years.
Who Was Brabazon Ponsonby's Family?
Brabazon Ponsonby was married two times. His first marriage was in 1704 to Sarah Margetson. She passed away on May 21, 1733. Sarah's grandfather was James Margetson, who was a very important church leader.
Brabazon and Sarah had four children:
- Lady Sarah Ponsonby: She married Edward Moore, 5th Earl of Drogheda.
- William Ponsonby, 2nd Earl of Bessborough: He became the next Earl of Bessborough.
- John Ponsonby: He also became a politician.
- Lady Letitia Ponsonby: She married Hervey Morres.
After Sarah passed away, Brabazon married Elizabeth Sankey. They were married on November 28, 1733. Elizabeth passed away in 1738.
What Important Jobs Did He Have?
Brabazon Ponsonby held many important positions during his life. These jobs showed his influence in both politics and government.
Here are some of the roles he held:
- Member of Parliament for Newtownards: From 1705 to 1714, he helped make laws for this area.
- Captain in the 27th Regiment: He served as a military officer in 1707.
- Sheriff and Governor of County Kilkenny: In 1713, he was a chief law enforcement officer for the county.
- Sheriff and Governor of County Kildare: In 1714, he held a similar role in County Kildare.
- Member of Parliament for County Kildare: From 1715 to 1724, he again served in parliament.
- Privy Counsellor: Starting in 1727, he became a trusted advisor to the monarch.
- Commissioner of the Revenue: From 1739 to 1744, he helped manage government income.
- Marshal of the Admiralty in Ireland: From 1751 to 1752, he oversaw naval matters in Ireland.
- Lord Justice in Ireland: He served as a temporary head of government in Ireland from 1754 to 1755, and again from 1756 to 1757.
- Vice-Admiral of Munster: In 1755, he had a high-ranking naval role in the Munster region.
What Were His Noble Titles?
Brabazon Ponsonby gained several important noble titles during his lifetime. These titles showed his high status in society.
Here's how his titles changed:
- Viscount Duncannon and Baron Bessborough: On November 17, 1724, he inherited these titles from his father.
- Earl of Bessborough: On October 6, 1739, he was given this new, higher title in Ireland.
- Baron Ponsonby of Sysonby: On June 12, 1749, he received another title, this time in Great Britain.
