Henry Nugent facts for kids

Henry Nugent was an Irish soldier who became an important military leader. He was known as the Count of Valdesoto and Viscount Coolamber. He served as the second Governor of Gibraltar for a short time in 1704.

Henry's Early Life

Coolamber Hall House, where Henry Nugent was born.

Henry Nugent was born in a place called Coolamber, in County Longford, Ireland. His father was Thomas Nugent. Henry also had an older brother named James.

A Life in the Army

Fighting for King James

In 1690 and 1691, Henry Nugent fought in a big conflict called the Williamite War in Ireland. He supported King James during this war. After a major battle known as the Siege of Limerick in 1691, things changed for Nugent.

Joining the Habsburg Army

Because Henry Nugent was a Roman Catholic, he could not join the British Army at that time. So, in 1692, he decided to join the Imperial army. This army served the Habsburgs, a powerful royal family in Europe. He joined an Irish regiment led by Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt.

Defending Barcelona

In 1697, Henry Nugent showed how brave and skilled he was. He helped defend the city of Barcelona against the French army during the Siege of Barcelona. He was following orders from Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt.

Becoming a Count

When the War of the Spanish Succession began, Henry Nugent was honored for his service. He was given the title of Count of Valdesoto (Conde de Valdesoto) in Spain. This title was given to him by Archduke Charles, who wanted to become the King of Spain.

Governor of Gibraltar

The Capture of Gibraltar

On August 4, 1704, a group of soldiers from England and the Netherlands captured Gibraltar. This happened after a short siege. The Spanish Governor, Diego de Salinas, surrendered Gibraltar to Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt. Prince George took control of Gibraltar for Archduke Charles.

Nugent's Appointment

Just two days later, on August 6, 1704, Henry Nugent was chosen to be the Governor of Gibraltar. He was given the important rank of Major General. People described him as "an Irish Catholic, not well regarded by the English." This meant some English officers didn't like him much. For example, Brigadier Fox, an English Marine commander, wanted to leave Gibraltar. Prince George refused, which caused some tension between Nugent and Fox.

A Tragic End

In November 1704, during a battle known as the Twelfth Siege of Gibraltar, Henry Nugent was badly hurt. He was wounded on November 9 at a place called San Pablo Battery. He died soon after from his injuries. After his death, Brigadier John Shrimpton of the Royal Marines became the new Governor.

Family Life

Henry Nugent had a wife and children. His daughter, Marcella, married Edward Nugent. His son, Thomas, became the 2nd Count of Valdesoto after his father. Thomas's son, Francis, later became the 3rd Count of Valdesoto.