Clotworthy Skeffington, 4th Viscount Massereene facts for kids
Clotworthy Skeffington, 4th Viscount Massereene (who passed away on 11 February 1738) was an important figure in Ireland during the 1700s. He was an Anglo-Irish politician and a peer, which means he held a special noble title.
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Who Was Clotworthy Skeffington?
Clotworthy Skeffington was born into a well-known family. His father was Clotworthy Skeffington, 3rd Viscount Massereene, and his mother was Rachel Hungerford. Being a Viscount meant he was part of the nobility, a group of people with special ranks and often land.
His Role in Irish Politics
Clotworthy Skeffington was active in the government of Ireland. He served as a Member of Parliament (often called an MP) in the Irish House of Commons. Think of the House of Commons as a place where elected representatives discuss and make laws for the country.
He represented an area called County Antrim. This is a county in what is now Northern Ireland. He held this important position from 1703 until 1714.
What is a Member of Parliament?
A Member of Parliament is a person chosen by the people to represent them in the government. They speak for the people in their area and help decide on new laws and how the country is run.
Moving to the House of Lords
In March 1714, Clotworthy Skeffington's father passed away. This meant that Clotworthy inherited his father's title and became the 4th Viscount Massereene. With this title, he then took his place in the Irish House of Lords.
What is the House of Lords?
The House of Lords was another part of the Irish Parliament. Unlike the House of Commons, its members were not elected. Instead, they were usually nobles who inherited their titles, like Clotworthy Skeffington. They also played a role in making laws and advising the government.
Family Life
Clotworthy Skeffington married Lady Catherine Chichester on 9 September 1713. Lady Catherine was the daughter of Arthur Chichester, 3rd Earl of Donegall, another important noble.
Clotworthy and Catherine had seven children together. When Clotworthy Skeffington passed away, his eldest son, also named Clotworthy Skeffington, inherited his title. This son later received an even higher title, becoming the Earl of Massereene in 1756.
