Henry Conyngham (soldier) facts for kids
Henry Conyngham (born before 1681 – 1706) was an important Irish soldier and politician. He came from Slane Castle in Ireland.
He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Parliament of Ireland. This meant he helped make laws for Ireland. He represented Killybegs from 1692 to 1693. Later, he represented County Donegal from 1695 to 1699 and again from 1703 to 1706.
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Military Career and Service
Henry Conyngham had a distinguished career in the army. He started as a captain in Mountjoy's Regiment during the time of King James II.
Rising Through the Ranks
Conyngham quickly moved up in the army. By 1691, he became a lieutenant-colonel in a regiment of dragoons. Dragoons were soldiers who rode horses but could also fight on foot. In 1693, he was made a colonel, leading his own new regiment of dragoons.
He continued to gain higher ranks. In 1703, he became a brigadier-general. Then, in 1705, he was promoted to major-general. This was a very high rank in the army.
Fighting in the War of the Spanish Succession
Major General Conyngham played a role in the War of the Spanish Succession. This was a big war in Europe that lasted for many years. He served in Portugal and Spain during this conflict.
In Spain, he was given important jobs. He became the Governor of Lerida, a city in Spain. He also served as a Lieutenant-General in the King of Spain's army. This shows how much he was trusted.
Sadly, Henry Conyngham was killed in battle. He died fighting against the French army at the Battle of St Estevan in January 1706.
Family Life
Henry Conyngham was the only son of Sir Albert Conyngham and Margaret Leslie. He married a woman named Mary.
Henry and Mary had two sons, William and Henry Conyngham, 1st Earl Conyngham. They also had a daughter named Mary. Their daughter Mary married a man named Francis Burton.
Mary and Francis Burton's son, Francis Conyngham, 2nd Baron Conyngham, became an important ancestor. His family line eventually led to the Marquesses Conyngham.
