Christopher Wandesford, 1st Viscount Castlecomer facts for kids
Christopher Wandesford, 1st Viscount Castlecomer (born August 19, 1656 – died September 15, 1707) was an important Anglo-Irish politician and a member of the nobility. He held several key roles in government during his lifetime.
Early Life and Family
Christopher Wandesford was born in 1656. His father was Sir Christopher Wandesford, 1st Baronet, from a place called Kirklington in Yorkshire, England. His mother was Eleanor Lowther.
Christopher's grandfather, also named Christopher Wandesford, was a very important person. He was briefly the Lord Deputy of Ireland in 1640. This job was like being the king's main representative in Ireland. His grandfather also gained a lot of land in County Kilkenny, Ireland.
Christopher Wandesford went to University of Cambridge for his education.
Political Career
Christopher Wandesford started his political career in England.
- He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Ripon. An MP is someone elected to represent people in the country's parliament. He served from 1679 to 1681.
- In February 1687, he became a Baronet after his father passed away. A Baronet is a special title, like a knight, that can be passed down in the family.
- He also served as the High Sheriff of Yorkshire in 1689 and 1690. A High Sheriff was a very important local official, responsible for law and order in their county.
Challenges and Rewards
Christopher Wandesford did not support King James II. Because of this, in 1689, the Parliament of Ireland took away his land and titles.
However, things changed when William III became king. King William III rewarded Christopher Wandesford for his loyalty.
- He became an MP again, this time for St Canice in Ireland. He served from 1692 to 1706.
- On May 10, 1695, he joined the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of trusted advisors to the monarch.
Becoming a Peer
In 1706, Christopher Wandesford was given even higher titles. He was made a Viscount Castlecomer and Baron Wandesford in the Peerage of Ireland. A peer is a member of the nobility, holding titles like Duke, Marquess, Earl, Viscount, or Baron. These titles allowed him to sit in the House of Lords.
He passed away in September 1707, just a year after receiving these important titles.
Family Life
Christopher Wandesford married Elizabeth Montagu. She was the sister of Charles Montagu, 1st Earl of Halifax, another important figure in politics.
Christopher and Elizabeth had five children together. Their oldest son, also named Christopher, took over his father's titles after his death.
