James Sarsfield, 2nd Earl of Lucan facts for kids

James Sarsfield, the 2nd Earl of Lucan, was born in France in 1693. He came from an Irish family and was a supporter of the Jacobites. The Jacobites wanted to bring King James II and his family back to the throne of Britain and Ireland.

Early Life and Family

James's father was Patrick Sarsfield, 1st Earl of Lucan, a famous Irish military leader. Patrick fought for King James II during a big war in Ireland. After the war, many Irish soldiers, including James's father, had to leave Ireland. This event was known as the "Flight of the Wild Geese".

James was named after James Francis Edward Stuart, who was the young Jacobite Prince of Wales. Sadly, James's father was killed in a battle in 1693, the same year James was born.

The next year, James's mother, Honora Burke, married again. She married James FitzJames, 1st Duke of Berwick. He was the son of the exiled King James II. The Duke of Berwick raised James Sarsfield as his own son. James also had a half-brother named James Fitz-James Stuart.

Military Service

In 1714, James Sarsfield fought alongside his stepfather, the Duke of Berwick, at the Siege of Barcelona. This was a major battle. James was hurt during the final attack on the city.

Jacobite Rebellion Plans

In 1718, James became involved in a secret plan by the Jacobites. They wanted to start a rebellion to put James Francis Edward Stuart on the throne of Britain and Ireland. This plan is known as the Jacobite rising of 1719.

James Sarsfield traveled to Ireland to help with the rebellion. However, the Jacobites faced many problems. They had military defeats in Scotland and at sea. Because of these setbacks, the Jacobite plotters had to give up their plans in May 1719.

Death

Soon after the rebellion plans failed, James Sarsfield arrived in St Omer. He died there on May 12, 1719. He was buried in the church of the Holy Sepulchre.