Francis Cosby facts for kids
Francis Cosby (born 1510, died 1580) was an English soldier who settled in Ireland. He is known for being involved in a tragic event called the Massacre of Mullaghmast.
Early Life and Career
Francis Cosby was born around 1510, the second son of John Cosby from Great Leake in Nottingham, England. He moved to Ireland during the time of King Henry VIII. He was a soldier who fought on the edge of the English Pale, which was the part of Ireland controlled by the English government. He was praised by important leaders like Edward Bellingham and Thomas Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Sussex, who were in charge of Ireland.
In 1558, Cosby became a general of the Kerne, who were a type of Irish soldier. In 1562, he was given land that used to belong to a monastery in Stradbally, in an area then known as Queen's County. By 1565, he was made governor of Portlaoise and a local official (called a seneschal) for Queen's County.
Challenges and Conflicts
Francis Cosby was connected to a very sad event at Mullaghmast, near Athy. Many people from the O'More family were called to a fortress, supposedly for peaceful talks. However, a violent event occurred there, and many were killed. It's not fully clear how much Cosby was responsible for this. Historical records give different dates for this event, either 1577 or 1567.
Cosby faced many challenges trying to control Queen's County. A local leader named Rory Oge O'More often caused trouble for him. In 1577, Rory even captured Cosby's oldest son. Rory Oge O'More was killed the next year, which brought some relief to Cosby. However, in 1580, a major uprising known as the Desmond rebellion began. Francis Cosby was killed by rebels during the battle of Glenmalure on August 25, 1580.
Family Life
Francis Cosby was married to Lady Mary Seymour, who was the daughter of Lord Protector Somerset. They had three sons: Alexander, Henry, and Arnold.
He later married Elizabeth Palmer, and they had one daughter. His son Alexander took over his lands and received more land in Queen's County. Alexander and his own son, Francis, were both killed at the battle of Stradbally Bridge. The lands then passed to Richard, another son of Alexander, and his family still owns them today. Arnold, Francis Cosby's second son, served as a soldier under Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester in the Low Countries.
