Edward Brabazon, 1st Baron Ardee facts for kids
Edward Brabazon, 1st Baron Ardee (born around 1548 – died August 7, 1625) was an important Anglo-Irish nobleman. He played a role in the government and history of Ireland during a time of big changes.
Edward was the oldest son of Sir William Brabazon, who was the Lord Justice of the Kingdom of Ireland. His mother was Elizabeth Clifford. Edward had many half-brothers and sisters because his mother had been married several times. Some of his notable half-siblings included the soldier Sir William Warren and Garret Moore, 1st Viscount Moore.
Edward grew up near Thomas Street in Dublin. His father had built a house there on land that used to belong to an old monastery. This land included an area called Killruddery, near Bray, County Wicklow. Later in Edward's life, the building of the original Kilruddery House began there. Kilruddery is still the family home today, though the original house is gone. Edward also lived in Ballinasloe Castle for a time in the 1570s and 1580s.
Edward's Public Service
Edward Brabazon became a member of the Privy Council of Ireland in 1584. This council was a group of advisors to the monarch. In 1585, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for County Wicklow in the Irish House of Commons. This was like being a representative for his area in the government.
He was knighted on August 24, 1595, which meant he received the title "Sir." Later, in 1606, he served as High Sheriff of Staffordshire in England. From 1613 to 1615, he was a Member of Parliament for Bangor. He also joined the Council of Munster in 1615.
A great honor came on July 19, 1616, when he was made Baron Ardee in the Peerage of Ireland. This meant he became a nobleman with a special title. After this, he took his place in the Irish House of Lords, which was the upper house of the Irish Parliament.
His Family Life
Edward Brabazon married Mary Smythe. Her father, Thomas Smythe, worked for Elizabeth I, the Queen of England. Edward and Mary had at least six children together. Their oldest son passed away before Edward did. Their second son, William, later became the Earl of Meath in 1627.
Edward also had at least three daughters:
- Elizabeth (died 1647) married George Montgomery, who was a bishop. After his death, she married Sir John Brereton, a lawyer for the King. Finally, in 1631, she married Sir John Bramston, a very important judge. Her father had not allowed them to marry when they were younger.
- Susannah (died before 1628) married Luke Plunkett, 1st Earl of Fingall. They had children.
- Ursula (died 1625) married James Hamilton, 1st Viscount Clandeboye. They later divorced around 1615.
