Edward Plunkett, 14th Baron of Dunsany facts for kids

Edward Wadding Plunkett, 14th Baron Dunsany (born 7 April 1773 – died 11 December 1848) was an important figure from Ireland. He was a noble, meaning he held a special title passed down through his family.

Edward Plunkett was the son of Randall Plunkett, who was the 13th Baron of Dunsany. His mother was Margaret Mandeville. When his father passed away on 4 April 1821, Edward inherited the title of Baron of Dunsany. This meant he became the 14th person to hold this noble title.

Edward Plunkett's Life and Family

Edward Plunkett married Hon. Charlotte Louisa Lawless on 20 June 1803. She was the daughter of Nicholas Lawless, 1st Baron Cloncurry. Edward and Charlotte had two sons and one daughter. Both of their sons would later become Baron Dunsany after their father.

After Charlotte passed away in 1818, Edward married again. On 26 March 1823, he married Hon. Eliza Kinnaird. She was the daughter of George Kinnaird, 7th Lord Kinnaird.

His Role in Irish Politics

Edward Plunkett was active in the politics of his time. From 1835 until his death, he held an important position called Lord Lieutenant of Meath.

What is a Lord Lieutenant?

A Lord Lieutenant was like the main representative of the King or Queen in a specific county. They were responsible for keeping order and managing local affairs. So, Edward Plunkett was the King's main representative in County Meath, Ireland.

Representing Ireland in Parliament

On 18 January 1836, Edward Plunkett was chosen to be an Irish representative peer. This meant he was elected by other Irish nobles to represent them in the House of Lords in London. The House of Lords is part of the British Parliament, where laws are made.

When he took his seat in the House of Lords, he joined the Conservative Party. This was one of the main political groups in Britain at the time. As a Conservative, he would have supported certain ideas about how the country should be run.