Charles Loftus, 1st Marquess of Ely facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Loftus, 1st Marquess of Ely
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| Member of the Irish House of Commons | |
| In office 1776–1785 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 23 January 1738 |
| Died | 22 March 1806 |
| Children | John and Robert |
Charles Tottenham Loftus, 1st Marquess of Ely (born 23 January 1738 – died 22 March 1806) was an important Anglo-Irish politician and nobleman. He held many high-ranking titles and played a role in the government of Ireland during his time.
Who Was Charles Loftus?
Charles Tottenham Loftus was born Charles Tottenham in 1738. His family was well-known in Ireland. In 1783, he added the name Loftus to his own. He did this after he inherited a large family estate called Loftus Hall from his uncle, Henry Loftus. Charles was the only son of Sir John Tottenham and Elizabeth Loftus.
His Political Journey
Charles Loftus began his political career in 1776. He became a member of the Irish House of Commons, which was like the parliament for Ireland at the time. He represented the area of Fethard in County Wexford until 1783. After that, he represented Wexford Borough until 1785.
Rising Through the Ranks
In 1785, Charles Loftus received a special honor. He was given the title of Baron Loftus of Loftus Hall. This made him a member of the Peerage of Ireland, a group of high-ranking noble families. He continued to gain more important titles over the years.
From 1789 until his death in 1806, Charles Loftus helped manage the mail service in Ireland as one of the Postmasters General of Ireland. In 1789, he became Viscount Loftus. Then, in 1794, he was made Earl of Ely. That same year, he also became a Knight of St Patrick, which is a very special honor in Ireland.
His highest title came in 1800 when he became the Marquess of Ely. In 1801, he received another important title, Baron Loftus of Long Loftus in Yorkshire. This new title was part of the Peerage of the United Kingdom. It meant that he and his family could have a seat in the House of Lords in the British Parliament.
Family Life
In 1766, Charles Loftus married Jane Myhill. She was the daughter of Robert Myhill from Killarney. Charles and Jane had two sons. Their eldest son, John, later inherited his father's titles. Their second son, Robert, became a religious leader as the Bishop of Clogher.
