David Sarsfield facts for kids
David Sarsfield (died 1710) was an Irish soldier who fought in a big war in Ireland. He was part of the Jacobite Army. After the war, he had to leave Ireland, which was part of an event called the Flight of the Wild Geese. He then joined the Spanish Army. David Sarsfield died in 1710 during a battle called the Battle of Villaviciosa.
Early Life and Family
David Sarsfield came from a well-known family in County Limerick, Ireland. His father was David Sarsfield, 3rd Viscount Sarsfield. His mother was Elizabeth de Courcy. He also had an older brother named Dominick Sarsfield, 4th Viscount Sarsfield.
His family was part of the "Old English" group. These were families who had come from England to Ireland many centuries before. They remained Roman Catholic during a time when many people in Ireland were changing their religion.
A Soldier's Journey
David Sarsfield and his older brother both served in the Irish Army of King James II. This was during the Williamite War in Ireland, which lasted from 1689 to 1691. This war was a conflict over who would be the king of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
After the war ended with the Treaty of Limerick, David and his brother had to leave Ireland. They went to France first. Later, David Sarsfield moved to Spain. In Spain, he became the Governor of a very important fortress called Badajoz. This shows he was a trusted and skilled military leader.
His Children
David Sarsfield had several children, including two sons and six daughters. One of his daughters was named Catalina Sarsfield. She married a German adventurer named Theodore von Neuhoff. He later became the ruler of the Kingdom of Corsica for a short time.
Sometimes, people mistakenly think Catalina was the daughter of another famous Jacobite hero, Patrick Sarsfield. However, Patrick Sarsfield was only a distant cousin to David Sarsfield.
