John King, 1st Baron Kingston facts for kids

John King, the 1st Baron Kingston, was an important soldier from Ireland. He lived a long time ago, in the 1600s. He fought in big wars called the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. He worked for different governments in Ireland, including the one led by Oliver Cromwell and later King Charles II.

John King's Early Life and Military Career

John King was the oldest son of Sir Robert King. In 1642, when his father went to England, John was put in charge of Boyle Castle in County Roscommon. He showed great skill as a leader many times. For example, he helped save Elphin Castle.

During this confusing time, John King was very active. He often challenged Heber MacMahon, who was a Catholic Bishop and a general of an army in Ulster. By 1650, John King had joined Oliver Cromwell's army. On June 11, 1650, he played a key role in a famous victory. This was at the Battle of Scarrifholis, where he personally captured the bishop.

Working for the Government

The government gave John King a lot of power. In 1649, he was paid money from the lands of people who had opposed the government. This was to thank him for his hard work. At this time, he was a colonel, a high-ranking officer.

In 1658, he was made a knight by Henry Cromwell, who was in charge of Ireland. This was a special honor.

Becoming a Baron

John King worked hard to bring King Charles II back to power. Because of his efforts, King Charles II made him an Irish peer in 1660. This meant he received the title of Baron Kingston. He also became a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, a group of important advisors to the king.

In 1660, he was chosen to help settle land claims in Ireland. This was a big job to sort out who owned what land after the wars.

Later Roles and Achievements

In 1661, John King joined the Irish House of Lords, which was like a parliament. He was also made a top commander of the horse soldiers. He joined a group that planned to build a college for doctors in Dublin.

Later, he became a captain of a troop and then a colonel of a horse regiment. In 1666, he was made the joint leader, and then the sole leader, of the province of Connaught. This meant he was in charge of that whole area.

In 1670, he was asked to help check the money that was owed to the king. He received a large yearly payment in 1674. It was also decided that all his claims to land would be officially confirmed for him and his family. He received several grants of land for his service before 1649. He was given thousands of acres of land in different counties of Ireland. John King passed away in 1676.

Family Life

John King married Catherine Fenton. They had two sons, Robert and John. Both of his sons later became Baron Kingston after him.