Bryan Magennis, 5th Viscount Iveagh facts for kids

Bryan Magennis, 5th Viscount Iveagh (born around 1655 – died September 1692) was an important Irish nobleman and soldier who supported James II of England. He was part of a group called the Jacobites, who wanted King James II to stay on the throne.

Becoming a Viscount

Bryan Magennis was the son of Hugh Magennis, who was the 4th Viscount Iveagh. His mother was Rose O'Neill. In 1684, when his father passed away, Bryan became the 5th Viscount Iveagh. This meant he inherited his father's special title and position as a nobleman.

Supporting King James II

When King James II faced a big change in power known as the Glorious Revolution, Bryan Magennis chose to support him. In 1689, he showed his loyalty by creating two groups of soldiers to help King James. One group was made of dragoons (soldiers who rode horses but could also fight on foot), and the other was an infantry (soldiers who fought on foot).

In May 1689, Bryan Magennis was asked to join the Irish House of Lords. This was part of a special meeting called the Patriot Parliament by King James II. He was also given an important job as the Lord Lieutenant of Down, which meant he was the King's main representative in that area.

Fighting for the King

Bryan Magennis served as a colonel, leading his infantry regiment during a major event called the Siege of Limerick in 1691. This was a difficult time of fighting. After the Williamite War in Ireland ended, Bryan Magennis faced a legal action where his titles and lands were taken away by the government.

A New Mission and Sad End

In March 1692, Bryan Magennis was given a new task. He was asked to gather five companies of Irish Catholic soldiers, with 100 soldiers in each company. These soldiers were meant to join the army of Leopold I, Holy Roman Emperor.

Bryan Magennis and his soldiers left Cork, Ireland, on May 31, 1692, heading for Hamburg. From Hamburg, they were sent to fight in Hungary against the Turks. Sadly, many of the soldiers, including Bryan Magennis himself, became very sick with disease. Almost all of them died by the end of 1692.

Family Life

Bryan Magennis married Margaret Burke in 1689. It is believed that they did not have any children.