Edward Blayney, 1st Baron Blayney facts for kids

Edward Blayney (born in 1570, died in 1629) was a brave Welsh soldier and an important politician in Ireland. He became known as Baron Blayney of Monaghan. He is famous for founding the town of Castleblayney around 1611, which is named after him!

Edward Blayney's Life Story

Edward Blayney was born at Gregynog Hall in a place called Tregynon, in Montgomeryshire, Wales. He was one of the younger sons of David Lloyd Blayney and Elizabeth Jones.

He chose to become a soldier and fought in battles in Spain and the Low Countries (which are now countries like Belgium and the Netherlands). In 1598, he came to Ireland with a famous leader named Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex.

Gregynog Hall, Lord Blayney's birthplace

In 1600, another leader, Lord Mountjoy, took control of an important area called Moyry Pass. He then built a fort at Mountnorris and left Captain Blayney in charge of 400 soldiers there.

Edward Blayney's Political Role

Edward Blayney was also involved in politics. From 1613 to 1615, he was a Member of Parliament (MP) for County Monaghan in the Parliament of Ireland. In 1615, he became a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, which was a group of important advisors to the King.

Edward Blayney became a very rich man. He was able to give his daughter Anne a large sum of money, £1200, when she got married.

Founding Castleblayney

As the governor of Monaghan, Blayney was given land near Lough Muckno. He built a castle there, which he called Castle Blayney. The town of Castleblayney grew up around this castle. Because of his achievements, he was given the special title of Baron Blayney of Monaghan on July 29, 1621.

Edward Blayney's Family

Edward Blayney married Anne Loftus, who was the daughter of Adam Loftus, the Archbishop of Dublin. Anne had been married twice before. Edward and Anne had eight children together: Henry, Sir Arthur Blayney, Anne, Mary, Martha, Elizabeth, Lettice, and Jane. Jane later married Sir James Moore.

Edward Blayney passed away on February 11, 1629. His oldest son, Henry Blayney, 2nd Baron Blayney, took over his title as Baron. Sadly, Henry was killed in battle in 1646.

Anne Blayney's Marriage

Edward's daughter, Anne, married James Balfour, 1st Baron Balfour of Glenawley when she was only 15 years old. This marriage was very difficult and did not work out well. Lord Balfour died in 1634.

See also

• Baron Blayney