Conn O'Neill (prisoner) facts for kids

Conn O'Neill was a young man from the most powerful family in Gaelic Ireland at the time, the O'Neill dynasty. He was the youngest son of Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. His father was a very important leader who first supported the English Crown but later led a big rebellion called Tyrone's Rebellion from 1594 to 1603. After the rebellion, his father made peace and became friends with the Crown again through the Treaty of Mellifont. Conn's mother was Catherine O'Neill, Countess of Tyrone, who came from the Magennis family.

Who Was Conn O'Neill?

Conn O'Neill lived during a time of big changes in Ireland. His family, the O'Neills, were like royalty in their part of Ireland. They had a lot of power and land.

A Powerful Family

Conn's father, Hugh O'Neill, was a very famous leader. He fought against the English for many years to protect his family's way of life. Even after fighting, he was able to make peace. This shows how important and respected the O'Neill family was.

Left Behind in Ireland

In 1607, something very important happened called the Flight of the Earls. Conn's father, mother, and many other Irish leaders secretly left Ireland. They sailed away to other countries in Europe. Conn, who was still young, was left behind.

Life in England

After his family left, Conn was taken care of by the English Crown. This meant he was under the control of the English government. He was sent to England to study at Eton College, a famous school.

Why Was He Imprisoned?

Even though he was young, Conn became a target for people who wanted to start new rebellions in Ireland. They hoped to use him as a symbol to gather support, like during the Ulster Conspiracy of 1615. Because of these worries, the English government moved Conn from Eton College. They sent him to the Tower of London, a famous prison. This was to stop any more fighting in Ireland, like O'Doherty's Rebellion which happened in 1608.

His Later Life

While Conn was held in the Tower of London, sad news came from his family. Three of his older brothers, who had gone into exile with his father, passed away. This meant Conn moved up in the family's line of succession. His father died in Rome in 1616. Conn's older brother, John O'Neill, then became the head of the family.

Conn stayed in the Tower of London with some of his relatives from the O'Neill and O'Donnell families. It's thought that noble prisoners like him might have lived quite comfortably, not like common criminals. We don't know exactly when Conn O'Neill died, or if he was ever set free from the Tower. The last time he is mentioned in historical records is in 1622.