Henry Bagenal facts for kids

Sir Henry Bagenal (around 1556 – August 14, 1598) was a very important military leader in the Royal Irish Army during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He was also a trusted advisor to the Queen, known as a Privy Counsellor.

Sir Henry Bagenal's Life

Early Years and Military Start

Henry Bagenal was the oldest son of Nicholas Bagenal and Eleanor Griffith. His brother was Dudley Bagenal. Henry likely started studying at Jesus College, Oxford when he was about 16 years old, around 1572 or 1573. However, he left college without finishing his degree. He wanted to join his father, Sir Nicholas, who was already a marshal (a high-ranking officer) in the army in Ireland.

In May 1577, Henry's father, Sir Nicholas, became the chief leader in Ulster, and Henry worked as his assistant. Henry was made a knight in 1578.

Challenges and Conflicts

Henry Bagenal was involved in some difficult battles. For example, in August 1580, his troops faced a tough defeat at Glenmalure. He was one of the commanders when Lord Grey led the army into a fight with Fiach McHugh O'Byrne and Viscount Baltinglass in the Wicklow mountains.

In 1584, Bagenal was in charge of the soldiers at Carrickfergus. About 1,300 Scottish fighters, led by Sorley Boy MacDonnell, landed on Rathlin Island. Bagenal attacked them but was caught in a surprise attack at Glenarm and had to retreat.

A Surprising Marriage

In May 1586, Henry Bagenal went to the Queen's court to report on the situation in Ireland. He wanted to find ways to make Hugh O'Neill, 2nd Earl of Tyrone less powerful. He also wanted to make the marshal's role stronger and set up a proper court system in Ulster. While he was there, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Anglesey.

He returned to Ireland in September 1587 to take his father's place. In October 1590, he officially took over from his father as marshal of the army in Ireland and chief leader for Ulster. He also became a member of the Queen's Privy Council. However, his ideas for action were not accepted because the Queen's advisors decided to try and make peace with O'Neill instead.

To Henry Bagenal's great annoyance, O'Neill asked to marry Henry's sister, Mabel. Henry refused, but Mabel and O'Neill ran away and got married anyway!

Final Battles and Legacy

In May 1595, Bagenal led an army of 1,750 soldiers to help the troops at Monaghan. His forces were attacked by O'Neill's army and suffered many losses. Bagenal had to go back to Newry and get supplies by sea because O'Neill had blocked the main path.

Bagenal managed to resupply the soldiers at Armagh in December 1596 and June 1597. But he had more trouble getting supplies to a fort on the Blackwater River. While trying to do this, he was badly wounded and died during the Battle of the Yellow Ford in August 1598, fighting against O'Neill's forces.

His Family

Henry Bagenal married Eleanor Savage. They had three sons and six daughters. The main Bagenal family line ended in 1712. However, a different branch of the family, which was more well-known and founded the town of Bagenalstown in Carlow, continued for longer.

A Story in a Play

The play Making History by Brian Friel is mostly about the marriage between Henry's sister Mabel and Hugh O'Neill. Mabel and another sister, Mary Barnewall, are important characters in the play. Henry himself is mentioned often, but he does not appear on stage.