Hervey Morres, 1st Viscount Mountmorres facts for kids
Hervey Morres, 1st Viscount Mountmorres (born in 1707 – died 6 April 1766), was an important person in Ireland. He owned a lot of land and was involved in politics. He was known for building a grand house called Castle Morres.
Early Life and Education
Hervey Morres was born in 1707. His father was Francis Morris, who lived at Castle Morres in County Kilkenny, Ireland. His mother was Catherine Evans. Hervey's grandfather, also named Hervey Morres, was a Member of Parliament (MP). An MP is a person chosen to represent people in a country's government.
Hervey Morres went to Trinity College Dublin for his education. This was a well-known university in Ireland.
Political Career
Hervey Morres began his political career in 1734. He was elected to the Irish House of Commons. This was like the parliament or main law-making group for Ireland at the time. He represented an area called St Canice (also known as Irishtown). He held this position until 1756.
From 1752 to 1753, he also served as the Mayor of Kilkenny. The Mayor is the leader of a city.
Becoming a Peer
In 1756, Hervey Morres received a special honour. He was made a Baron in the Peerage of Ireland. This meant he became a nobleman with the title Baron Mountmorres. This title was connected to his home, Castlemorres, in County Kilkenny.
Later, in 1763, he received an even higher honour. He was made a Viscount, which is a rank above Baron. His new title was Viscount Mountmorres, also linked to Castlemorres.
Castle Morres
In 1751, Hervey Morres started building a very large and grand house called Castle Morres. It was one of the biggest stately homes in Ireland. A stately home is a large, impressive country house.
However, the house did not last forever. In the 1920s, the Irish Land Commission took over the property. By the 1930s, the house had lost its roof and became a ruin. It was completely taken down in 1978. Today, only a small building called a gatelodge remains from the original Castle Morres.
Family Life
Lord Mountmorres was married twice. In 1742, he married Lady Letitia Ponsonby. She was the daughter of Brabazon Ponsonby, 1st Earl of Bessborough. Lady Letitia passed away in 1754.
In 1755, he married Mary Wall. She was from County Waterford and was a widow. Hervey Morres had children from both of his marriages.
Hervey Morres, 1st Viscount Mountmorres, died in April 1766. His son, also named Hervey, took over his titles after his death.
