Edmond Roche, 1st Baron Fermoy facts for kids

Edmond Burke Roche, 1st Baron Fermoy (born August 9, 1815 – died September 17, 1874) was an important Irish politician. He served in the British Parliament and later received a special title called a "peerage." This made him a "Baron," which is a type of noble title.

Early Life and Political Start

Edmond Roche was born in County Cork, Ireland, on August 9, 1815. His parents were Edward Roche and Margaret Honoria Curtain. He was named after a famous distant relative, Edmund Burke, who was also a well-known speaker and writer.

Edmond began his political career when he was elected to the British House of Commons in 1837. The House of Commons is where elected representatives make laws for the country. He represented his home area, County Cork, until 1855.

Later, he represented another area called Marylebone from 1859 to 1865. During his time in Parliament, he was part of different political groups, including the Repeal Association, the Whigs, and the Liberal Party.

From 1856 to 1874, Edmond also held an important local role. He was the Lord Lieutenant of County Cork. This meant he was the Queen's official representative in County Cork, helping to manage local affairs.

Becoming a Baron

In 1855, Queen Victoria gave Edmond Roche a special honor. She made him a "peer" in the Peerage of Ireland, giving him the title of Baron Fermoy. A "Baron" is a noble title, and being a peer meant he could sit in the House of Lords, which is another part of the British Parliament.

After his death in 1874, his title passed down to his eldest son. His son, Edward Roche, became the 2nd Baron Fermoy.

Family Life and Legacy

On August 22, 1848, Edmond Roche married Elizabeth Caroline Boothby. They had seven children together. Their children were:

• Edward Roche, 2nd Baron Fermoy (1850–1920), who married Cecilia O'Grady.
• James Roche, 3rd Baron Fermoy (1852–1920), who married Frances Ellen Work in 1880.
• Alexis Charles Burke Roche (1853–1914), who married Lucy Maud Goschen.
• Eleanor Charlotte Burke Roche (1854–1938), who married William Nicholas Leader.
• Ulick de Rupe Burke Roche (1856–1919).
• Elizabeth Caroline Burke Roche (1857–1940), who married Count Friedrich Maximilian von Hochberg in 1905.
• Edmund Burke Roche (1859–1948).

Edmond Roche passed away on September 17, 1874, at his home in Trabolgan House, County Cork. He was 59 years old. He was buried in a special family tomb in Corkbeg graveyard.

His grandson, Edmund Roche, 4th Baron Fermoy (1885–1955), became quite famous later on. He was the grandfather of Diana, Princess of Wales. This means Edmond Burke Roche is an ancestor of the British Royal Family through Princess Diana.