Henry Hart (soldier) facts for kids

Henry Hart (born 1566, died 1637) was an important soldier and landowner in Ireland. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. Henry Hart fought in a big conflict called the Nine Years' War. Later, he was part of the start of O'Doherty's Rebellion in 1608. Because he was a loyal soldier, he received land in County Donegal.

Serving in the Nine Years' War

Henry Hart served in Ireland under a leader named Sir Henry Docwra. This was during the Nine Years' War, a major conflict in Ireland. Hart became a Captain in the army.

Sir Henry Docwra's soldiers were based in Derry. They worked with local Irish groups who were against the rebel leader, Hugh O'Neill. After the war ended with the Treaty of Mellifont, Henry Hart was given an important job. He was put in charge of Culmore Fort, a key military post near Derry.

Involvement in O'Doherty's Rebellion

In 1608, a rebellion started, led by Sir Cahir O'Doherty. He launched his attack from Burt Castle. Sir Cahir O'Doherty had fought for the Crown before. He was usually loyal, but he was upset with the new Governor of Derry, George Paulet.

Henry Hart and Sir Cahir O'Doherty were friends. The night before the rebellion, O'Doherty invited Hart and his wife to dinner. During the dinner, O'Doherty took Hart as a prisoner. He then captured Culmore Fort. O'Doherty used the fort's weapons to arm his followers. After taking Culmore, O'Doherty attacked and burned the city of Derry.

Later, O'Doherty was defeated and killed at the Battle of Kilmacrennan. His rebellion then quickly ended.

Life After the Rebellion

Even though Henry Hart lost Culmore Fort, he was still rewarded. He was considered a loyal soldier, known as a "servitor." During the Plantation of Ulster, he was given land. This land was near Kilmacrennan in Donegal.

This area was once part of the O'Donnell family's territory. Their lands had been taken by the Crown after the Flight of the Earls. Many of Hart's old army friends also received land nearby. These lands had been carefully mapped out by a recent survey.