George St George, 1st Baron St George facts for kids
George St George, 1st Baron St George (born around 1658 – died August 4, 1735) was an important figure in Ireland. He was an Anglo-Irish person, meaning he was of English descent but lived in Ireland. He was a politician, a soldier, and a peer. A peer is someone who holds a special title, like a Baron, and often has a seat in the House of Lords.
George St George was the son of Sir Oliver St George, 1st Baronet and Olivia Beresford. His mother's family was from Coleraine in County Londonderry.
George St George's Political Career
George St George was a member of the Irish House of Commons. This was like the parliament in Ireland at the time. He represented County Roscommon for many years, from at least 1692 until 1715.
In 1695, he inherited the title of Baronet from his father. This was a special honor passed down in his family. From 1696 until he died, he also held the important job of Vice-Admiral of Connaught. This meant he was in charge of naval matters for the Connaught region of Ireland.
In 1715, George St George received an even higher honor. He was made a Baron St George in the Peerage of Ireland. This new title was linked to Hatley Saint George in the counties of Roscommon and Leitrim.
George St George as a Soldier
George St George also had a career as a soldier. He gained valuable experience in the military. In 1689, he took command of an infantry regiment. An infantry regiment is a large group of soldiers who fight on foot.
His regiment had been part of an effort to help the city of Derry, which was under siege. A siege happens when an army surrounds a city to try and take control of it. The first attempt to help Derry failed. However, under George St George's leadership, his regiment joined a more successful mission. This mission, led by General Percy Kirke, helped to free the city of Derry in July 1689.
Family Life
Lord St George married Margaret Skeffington in 1681. She was the daughter of John Skeffington, who was the 2nd Viscount Massereene. George and Margaret St George had two daughters together.
George St George died in August 1735. When he passed away, his titles of Baronet and Baron ended because he had no sons to inherit them. However, one of his daughters, Mary St George, married John Ussher. Their son, who was also named St George, later took on the St George family name. He was also given the title of Baron St George in 1763, continuing the family's connection to the peerage.
