John Bligh, 1st Earl of Darnley facts for kids

John Bligh, 1st Earl of Darnley (born December 28, 1687 – died September 12, 1728) was an important Irish nobleman. He came from an English family but lived in Ireland. He held several important titles during his lifetime.

John Bligh's Early Life

John Bligh was the son of Thomas Bligh and Elizabeth Napier. His father, Thomas, was from Plymouth, England. He worked for the government, collecting taxes on goods (like a customs officer) and was sent to Ireland. He also became a special advisor to the King or Queen in Ireland.

John had two younger brothers. One was Thomas Bligh, a military leader who fought in the Seven Years' War. The other was Robert Bligh, who was a church leader called the Dean of Elphin.

His grandfather, William Bligh, was a successful merchant in Plymouth. The family was originally from Devon, England. A part of their family later moved and settled in County Meath, Ireland.

John Bligh's Political Career

John Bligh began his political career in Ireland. From 1709 to 1713, he was a representative for Trim in the Irish House of Commons. This was like being a member of parliament today.

After that, he represented Athboy in the Irish House of Commons from 1713 to 1721. He served in the Irish Parliament for many years.

Becoming a Nobleman

In 1721, John Bligh was given a special title. He became Baron Clifton of Rathmore. This made him a "peer," which is a member of the nobility in Ireland.

Two years later, in 1723, he received another important title. He was made Viscount Darnley, of Athboy. This title was special because it brought back a name that had been used by his wife's ancestors.

Finally, in 1725, John Bligh was given the highest title yet. He became the Earl of Darnley. This title also referred to his wife's family, the Stewarts of Darnley. All these titles were part of the Peerage of Ireland.

John Bligh's Family Life

On August 24, 1713, John Bligh married Lady Theodosia Hyde. She was also a noblewoman, holding the title of 10th Baroness Clifton. Theodosia was the daughter of Edward Hyde, who was the 3rd Earl of Clarendon.

John and Theodosia had seven children together. Five of their children lived to be adults.

• Lady Ann Bligh (1718–1789) married Robert Hawkins-Magill. After he passed away, she married Bernard Ward, 1st Viscount Bangor.
• Lady Theodosia Bligh (1710–1777) married William Crosbie, 1st Earl of Glandore.
• Lady Mary Bligh (born 1711) sadly passed away when she was very young.
• Hon. George Bligh (born 1714) also passed away when he was very young.
• Edward Bligh, 2nd Earl of Darnley (1715–1747) became the 2nd Earl of Darnley after his father. He passed away at age 31.
• Lady Mary Bligh (1716–1748) married William Tighe, who was also a Member of Parliament.
• John Bligh, 3rd Earl of Darnley (1719–1781) became the 3rd Earl of Darnley. He also served in the Irish House of Commons and the British House of Commons. He married Mary Stoyte.

John Bligh, the 1st Earl of Darnley, passed away in 1728. He was buried with his wife in Westminster Abbey in London. His oldest living son, Edward, became the 2nd Earl of Darnley. Edward had already inherited his mother's title, Baron Clifton, in 1722.

Edward Bligh served as a special attendant to Frederick, Prince of Wales. He passed away in 1747 without marrying. His younger brother, John, then became the 3rd Earl of Darnley. Later, the titles passed to the 3rd Earl's oldest son, the 4th Earl.

John Bligh's Grandchildren

Through his daughter, Lady Mary, John Bligh was the grandfather of Theodosia Blachford (1744–1817). Theodosia was known for her charity work in Ireland. She was also the mother of the poet Mary Tighe.

Through his daughter Lady Ann, John Bligh was the grandfather of several notable people. These included Theodosia Hawkins-Magill (1743–1817), who married the 1st Earl of Clanwilliam. His grandsons also included Nicholas Ward, 2nd Viscount Bangor (1750–1827), Edward Ward, and Robert Ward.