Henri de Massue, Earl of Galway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Earl of Galway
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| Lord Justice of Ireland | |
| In office 1697–1701 |
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| Monarch | William III |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 9 April 1648 Paris, France |
| Died | 3 September 1720 (aged 72) Stratton Park, Hampshire |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | |
| Branch/service | |
| Rank | Lieutenant General |
| Battles/wars |
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Henri de Massue, the 2nd Marquis de Ruvigny and later the Earl of Galway, was a brave soldier and clever diplomat. He was born in Paris, France, on April 9, 1648. He became very important in the English army and government. He helped England during two major wars: the Nine Years' War and the War of the Spanish Succession. He died on September 3, 1720.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Henri de Massue grew up in Paris, France. His father was the 1st Marquis de Ruvigny, a well-known French diplomat. Henri followed in his father's footsteps, but also became a soldier. He served in the French army under a famous general named Turenne, who thought highly of him.
Henri de Massue was a Huguenot. Huguenots were French Protestants who faced challenges in Catholic France. In 1678, the French king, Louis XIV, chose Henri to handle important secret talks with the English king, Charles II. Henri did this difficult job very well.
After his father, Henri became the leader of the Huguenots in France. However, when King Louis XIV removed the rights of Protestants in France (this was called the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes), Henri refused to stay in his position. He chose to leave France and join other Huguenots in exile.
Service in England and Ireland
In 1690, Henri de Massue joined the army of William III of England, who was the King of England. Because he joined the English service, he lost all his family's lands in France.
He quickly showed his skill as a soldier. In July 1691, he fought bravely at the Battle of Aughrim in Ireland. This was a very important battle. In 1692, he even became the commander-in-chief of the English forces in Ireland for a short time.
In November 1692, King William III gave him new titles. He became Viscount Galway and Baron Portarlington. He also received a lot of land in Ireland that had been taken from others. The title of Viscount Galway had belonged to another officer who died at Aughrim.
Later Military Campaigns
In 1693, Henri de Massue fought in another big battle called Neerwinden and was injured. In 1694, he was promoted to lieutenant-general. He was sent to lead English troops to help the Duke of Savoy fight against the French. He also helped a group of Protestants called the Vaudois who were in trouble.
In 1695, the Duke of Savoy changed sides, and the fighting in Italy stopped. Galway's troops were then moved to the Netherlands.
Leading Ireland and Portugal
From 1697 to 1701, Henri de Massue, now known as the Earl of Galway (he received this higher title in 1697), was in charge of Irish affairs. He served as a Lord Justice of Ireland, which meant he practically ran the country during a very important time.
After some years of rest, he was called back to duty in 1704. He was given command of the allied forces in Portugal. He led these forces with honor and success for several years. However, in 1707, his army faced a major defeat at the Battle of Almanza. Even though he was careful and skilled, his army was beaten by the French commander, the Duke of Berwick.
Despite this defeat, Galway managed to gather a new army. Even though he was getting older and less healthy, the government in England trusted him. They reappointed him to his command. He fought in one more campaign and showed great personal bravery in battle. However, he was defeated again at the Battle of La Gudina.
Retirement and Legacy
After his last battle, Henri de Massue retired from active military life. His final service was in 1715. He was sent back to Ireland as one of the lords justices during a time of unrest.
Most of his property in Ireland had been given back to its original owners. All his French lands had been taken from him long ago. Because of his long and loyal service, the English Parliament voted to give him pensions of 1500 pounds a year.
Henri de Massue never married. The Irish titles he held, like Earl of Galway, ended when he died. However, his French title of Marquis continued.
He also helped establish the French Hospital in north London. This hospital was created in 1718 to help French Protestants who had come to England. Galway was its first governor.
Images for kids
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Memorial in St Mary's Church, Micheldever
