Christopher Wandesford facts for kids

Christopher Wandesford (born September 24, 1592 – died December 3, 1640) was an important English politician and administrator. He served in the House of Commons, which is like a part of today's Parliament, between 1621 and 1629. Towards the end of his life, he became the Lord Deputy of Ireland, a very high-ranking job, similar to a governor.

Christopher Wandesford's Early Life and Education

Christopher Wandesford was born on September 24, 1592, in a place called Bishop Burton in Yorkshire, England. His father was Sir George Wandesford, and his mother was Catherine Hansby.

He received a good education, first at Clare College, Cambridge, and then he studied law at Gray's Inn. These were important places for learning in his time.

Wandesford's Political Career and Friendship

Christopher Wandesford began his political journey by becoming a Member of Parliament (MP). He represented different areas like Aldborough, Richmond, and Thirsk in the English Parliament.

His rise in politics was largely thanks to his strong friendship with Sir Thomas Wentworth. Wentworth later became the Earl of Strafford. They were distant cousins and very close friends.

Working with King Charles I

At first, Wandesford was not always on the side of King Charles I. He even played a part in trying to remove George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham from power. However, he soon became a strong supporter of the King.

In 1633, he went to Ireland with his friend Wentworth. There, Wandesford became the Master of the Rolls in Ireland, a senior legal position. He said he went to Ireland not for power, but because he cared deeply for Wentworth.

Serving in Ireland's Government

While in Ireland, Wandesford also served in the Irish House of Commons. He represented Kildare in the Irish Parliaments of 1634 and 1639. He was also a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, which was a group of advisors to the King's representative in Ireland.

Wentworth trusted Wandesford greatly. He wrote that Wandesford was one of the very few people on the Privy Council he could truly confide in.

Becoming Lord Deputy and His Death

In 1640, Christopher Wandesford took over from Strafford as the Lord Deputy of Ireland. This was a very challenging role. However, he had only just started dealing with the many problems of his new job when he became ill. He died on December 3, 1640, after a short illness, likely a severe fever.

Christopher Wandesford's Family Life

Christopher Wandesford married Alice (1592–1659). She was the daughter of Sir Hewett Osborne. They had seven children together, and five of them lived to be adults.

Challenges for His Family

After Christopher Wandesford's death, his family faced difficulties. During the Irish Rebellion of 1641, his wife and children had to leave their home. They eventually returned safely to Yorkshire.

His will, which is a legal document about what happens to someone's property after they die, went missing for many years. This caused arguments and legal problems for his family.

Notable Descendants

Christopher Wandesford's son, also named Christopher (1628–1687), later became a baronet. His grandson, Sir Christopher Wandesford, was given the title of Viscount Castlecomer in 1707. This title came from Castlecomer in Kilkenny, Ireland, which his grandfather had acquired.

Another descendant, Christopher, the 2nd viscount, was Secretary-at-War for a short time. In 1758, John, the 5th viscount, was made Earl Wandesford. However, these titles ended when he died in 1784.

Christopher Wandesford's younger daughter, Alice Thornton (1626–1707), is well-known for her Autobiography. This book, published in 1875, provides valuable information about her father's life. Alice married William Thornton and had three children. Her older sister, Katherine (died 1645), married Sir Thomas Danby and had many children.

Building a Castle in Castlecomer

Christopher Wandesford focused on defence in Ireland. He built a castle in Castlecomer between 1635 and 1640. He had gained control of Castlecomer after arguing that the O'Brennans, who had lived there for centuries, did not have a legal right to the land.

He built the castle to protect his workers and coal mines from local groups. It is said that on his deathbed, he regretted this decision. He asked that half the rent collected from the area for the past 21 years be returned to the O'Brennans. This did not happen right away, despite legal efforts by the O'Brennan family. Finally, in 1686, a judge ruled in their favor.

The Wandesford family became influential in the Leinster area of Ireland. They even helped to stop the Irish rebellion of 1798 in Enniscorthy. A member of the family also married into the powerful Butler family.

Christopher Wandesford's Character

Historians describe Christopher Wandesford as a thoughtful and kind person. He was known for being shy and humble. He was also considered a very good lawyer and cared deeply about fairness for everyone. Even though some people in Ireland were not happy with his friend Strafford, Wandesford's death was genuinely mourned.