Charles Moore, 2nd Viscount Moore of Drogheda facts for kids

Charles Moore, 2nd Viscount Moore of Drogheda (1603-1643) was an important Irish leader. He was known for leading the King's forces in northern Leinster. This was during the early part of the Irish Confederate Wars.

Who Was Charles Moore?

Early Life and Family Connections

Charles Moore was born in 1603. He was the third son of Garret Moore, 1st Viscount Moore. Charles became the oldest surviving son later on. His family owned a lot of land in County Louth, Ireland. They were connected to many important old English families.

Unlike many of his relatives, Charles was a Protestant. His father, Garret, helped make the Treaty of Mellifont in 1603. This treaty ended a big fight called Tyrone's Rebellion.

Becoming Viscount Moore

When his father, Garret, passed away in 1627, Charles inherited his title. He became the 2nd Viscount Moore. He also took over the family lands, including Mellifont Abbey.

Charles married Alice Loftus. They had at least four children together. Their children included Henry, Sarah, and Mary. Sarah later married William Caulfeild, 1st Viscount Charlemont. Mary married Hugh Montgomery, 1st Earl of Mount Alexander.

Life Before the War

Before 1641, Charles lived a quiet life. He took his place in the Irish House of Lords in 1634. This was a part of the Irish Parliament. He mostly lived peacefully with his family at Mellifont.

Leading During the Irish Rebellion

The Start of the Rebellion

In 1641, a major conflict began in Ireland. This was known as the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Charles Moore's home at Mellifont was taken by rebels in November 1641. This happened just before they tried to take the town of Drogheda.

Defending Drogheda

Charles Moore became a key leader. He led a group of soldiers from Dublin. Their mission was to help Drogheda. In March 1642, they successfully broke the rebels' siege.

After this victory, Charles and another leader, Sir Henry Tichborne, marched on Dundalk. They successfully took control of that town too. Tichborne stayed in Dundalk, and Moore went back to Drogheda.

Battle and Death

In 1643, Charles Moore commanded troops from Dublin again. They were sent to stop the Ulster Army of the Irish Confederates. This army was led by Owen Roe O'Neill.

On August 7, Charles Moore faced O'Neill's forces. This happened at the Battle of Portlester in County Meath. During the battle, Charles Moore was tragically killed. He was hit by a cannonball. Some stories say Owen Roe O'Neill himself fired the shot.

After Charles Moore's death, his forces had to retreat. Even though O'Neill won the battle, he couldn't advance further towards Dublin.

Legacy of Charles Moore

His Successor

Charles Moore's death was unusual. It even inspired a scene in a play written in 1645. His son, Henry, took over his title. Henry was later made the Earl of Drogheda by King Charles II. This happened after the King returned to power.

His Wife's Later Life

Charles's wife, Alice, faced challenges after his death. She was briefly held in Dublin Castle. This was because people thought she might have been involved in a plan to give Drogheda to a Scottish general. She said she was just following her husband's ideas. She was released soon after.

Alice passed away in June 1649. She reportedly died from an infection after breaking her leg. This injury happened when she saw St. Peter's Church of Ireland, Drogheda. This church held her husband's tomb, and seeing it again was a shock to her.