Charles O'Brien, 5th Viscount Clare facts for kids
Charles O'Brien, 5th Viscount Clare (1673–1706), was an important Irish soldier and nobleman. A "Viscount" is a noble title, like a lord. Charles was part of the famous "Wild Geese" soldiers. These were Irish soldiers who left Ireland to serve in armies across Europe. He died fighting in a major battle in Belgium.
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Early Life and Family
Charles O'Brien was born in 1673. His father was Daniel O'Brien, the 3rd Viscount Clare. Charles married Charlotte Bulkeley in France in 1696. Charlotte's father, Henry Bulkeley, worked for King Charles II and King James II.
Fighting for King James
Charles's family supported a cause called Jacobitism. This meant they supported King James II of England. They fought in the War of the Two Kings in Ireland. After this war, many Irish soldiers, including Charles's family, went into exile. This event is known as the Flight of the Wild Geese. They left Ireland to serve in other countries' armies, especially France.
Becoming Viscount Clare
Charles's older brother, Daniel O'Brien, was the 4th Viscount Clare. Daniel was badly wounded in a battle in Italy in 1693. He later died from his injuries. After Daniel's death, Charles became the 5th Viscount Clare. This was a title in the Jacobite Peerage, which was recognized by King James II.
Leading O'Brien's Regiment
Charles was already a colonel in the Queen's Dismounted Dragoons. In 1696, he took command of O'Brien's Regiment. Later that year, his regiment fought in the siege of Valenza in Italy. The next year, they were stationed with the army at Meuse.
By 1698, the war ended with the Treaty of Ryswick. Many of King James's soldiers were left without jobs or homes. Some became beggars. But many joined the Irish Brigade in the Spanish army. Others went to Austria to serve there.
Return to Battle
Fighting started again in 1701. Clare's Regiment was sent to the Army of Germany for two years.
The Battle of Cremona
In 1702, the Irish soldiers bravely defended the town of Cremona. They fought against Prince Eugene and his army. The enemy tried a surprise attack, but the "Wild Geese" stopped them.
Promotions and Famous Battles
Charles O'Brien was promoted to a higher rank in 1703. A few months later, his unit fought in the successful Battle of Hochstedt. This battle is better known as the Battle of Blenheim. A year later, they were involved in the second Battle of Blenheim, which was not as successful. Even with ups and downs, Clare's Regiment was always admired for its bravery.
In 1704, Charles was promoted again to a very high rank. A year later, he was assigned to the Army of the Moselle.
The Battle of Ramillies
Clare's Regiment fought in the terrible Battle of Ramillies in 1706. They fought with great courage and honor. However, Lord Clare was badly wounded in this battle. He died later in Brussels, Belgium.
Legacy of the O'Brien Family
The O'Brien family had served France very well. Because of their great service, King Louis XIV made sure the regiment stayed in the family. He appointed Murrough O'Brien to command it. He led the regiment until Charles's young son was old enough to take over.
Charles O'Brien and Charlotte Bulkeley had two children. Their sons were Charles O'Brien, 6th Viscount Clare (born 1699) and Henry O'Brien (born 1701).
