David Synnot facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Synnot
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| Born | 1593 Rahine, County Wexford |
| Died | 11 October 1649 (aged 55–56) Wexford, Ireland |
| Allegiance |  Confederate Ireland |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Unit | Preston's Regiment |
| Commands held | Governor of Wexford 1649 |
| Battles/wars | Cromwellian War in Ireland Wexford |
| Relations | Sir Walter Synnot |
Colonel David Synnot (also spelled Sinnot) was an important Anglo-Irish soldier. He came from County Wexford in Ireland. He was the Governor of Wexford for Confederate Ireland in 1649. This was a time when Irish Catholics had formed their own government.
Wexford was captured by Oliver Cromwell and his army in 1649. Colonel Synnot was trying to make a deal with Cromwell. But, one of his officers gave up the castle without his knowing. This allowed Cromwell's soldiers to enter the town. Many people died during the attack, including Colonel Synnot himself.
Who Was Colonel David Synnot?
David Synnot was born in 1593 in Rahine, County Wexford. He became a soldier in Ireland. He rose to the rank of Colonel. He served in Preston's Regiment.
In 1649, he was made Governor of Wexford. This was a key role during the Cromwellian War in Ireland. This war was a big conflict in Ireland during the 1640s and 1650s.
The Siege of Wexford
In 1649, Oliver Cromwell's army attacked Wexford. Colonel Synnot was in charge of defending the town. He started talking with Cromwell to try and find a peaceful solution.
However, during these talks, something unexpected happened. A soldier under Synnot's command surrendered the castle. This happened without Colonel Synnot's knowledge. This act opened the way for Cromwell's Parliamentarian troops to enter Wexford.
When the soldiers entered, there was a lot of fighting. Many people in the town and the defending soldiers died. It is thought that about 2,000 people were killed. Over 300 people tried to escape by crossing the River Slaney. Sadly, they drowned. Colonel Synnot was among those who died trying to escape.
What Happened Next?
After Colonel Synnot's death, his family's lands were taken away. This was a common result for those who fought against Cromwell.
His son survived the war. He became a Protestant and settled in Ballymoyer, Armagh. Later, his family became quite successful. One of his descendants was Sir Walter Synnot (1742-1821). Sir Walter became a rich linen merchant and owned a lot of land.
The family's home, Ballymoyer House, was taken down in 1919. However, the land itself is now looked after by the National Trust.
