Francis Needham, 1st Earl of Kilmorey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Kilmorey
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| Member of Parliament for Newry | |
| In office 1806–1818 |
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| Preceded by | Isaac Corry |
| Succeeded by | Francis Needham |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Francis Needham
5 April 1748 |
| Died | 21 November 1832 (aged 84) |
| Spouses |
Anne Fisher
(m. 1787; |
| Children | 10 |
| Parents | John Needham, 10th Viscount Kilmorey Anne Hurleston |
Francis Needham (born April 5, 1748 – died November 21, 1832) was an important figure in Irish and British history. He was a brave soldier and also a politician. He eventually became the first Earl of Kilmorey, which is a special noble title.
Early Life and Family
Francis Needham was born on April 5, 1748. He was the third son of John Needham, who was the 10th Viscount Kilmorey. His mother was Anne Hurleston. Being the son of a Viscount meant he came from a noble family in Ireland.
Military Career
Francis Needham joined the British Army in 1762 when he was just 14 years old. He served in the American War of Independence, which was a big conflict between Great Britain and its American colonies. During this war, he was captured at the Siege of Yorktown in 1781.
He also fought in the French Revolutionary Wars. However, he is best known for his part in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. This was a major uprising in Ireland against British rule. Needham was in charge of the troops at the Battle of Arklow. He also led one of the five groups of soldiers at the Battle of Vinegar Hill.
In 1804, he became a Colonel of the 5th Royal Veteran Battalion. He was promoted to a full colonel in 1810. By 1812, he had reached the high rank of general in the British Army.
Political Life
From 1806 to 1818, Francis Needham also worked as a politician. He represented the area of Newry in the House of Commons. The House of Commons is an important part of the British Parliament where laws are made.
In 1818, he inherited the title of Viscount Kilmorey from his older brother. However, this was an Irish title, so it did not give him a seat in the British House of Lords. The House of Lords is another part of the British Parliament.
In 1822, he received a great honor. He was made Viscount Newry and Mourne and Earl of Kilmorey. These were both new titles in the Peerage of Ireland.
Personal Life
In 1787, Lord Kilmorey married Anne Fisher. They had ten children together, including two sons and eight daughters. Their eldest son, Francis, later became the 2nd Earl of Kilmorey.
Francis Needham passed away in November 1832, when he was 84 years old. His son, also named Francis, took over his titles.
