John Temple (Irish politician) facts for kids

Sir John Temple (born March 25, 1632, died March 10, 1705) was an important Irish politician. He held big jobs like Speaker of the Irish House of Commons and Attorney General for Ireland. He was also the great-great-grandfather of a famous leader named Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston. Plus, the well-known poet Lord Byron was one of his descendants through his daughters' families.

Sir John Temple's Early Life and Career

Sir John Temple was born in London on March 25, 1632. His father was also named Sir John Temple, who was a judge. His mother was Mary Hammond. John had a brother named Sir William Temple, 1st Baronet, who became a famous diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. William was also a friend of the writer Jonathan Swift.

John Temple went to Christ Church, Oxford for his college education. He earned his first degree there in 1649. Then, he studied law at Lincoln's Inn starting in 1650. He also got another degree from Cambridge University in 1652. By 1657, he was ready to work as a lawyer. This means he was "called to the bar."

Becoming a Key Politician in Ireland

In July 1660, John Temple got a big job in Ireland. He became the Solicitor General for Ireland. This role meant he was a top legal advisor to the government. The next year, in May 1661, he was chosen to be a member of the Irish House of Commons. He represented the area of Carlow.

Just a few months later, in September, he became the Speaker of the Irish House of Commons. The Speaker is like the leader of the parliament. They make sure meetings run smoothly. On August 15, 1663, he was made a knight, so he became "Sir" John Temple.

Challenges and Changes in Government

When King Charles II died in 1685, James II became king. King James II was a Roman Catholic. Even though Sir John Temple was a strong Protestant, he continued to work for the new king.

However, things changed in 1689. This was during a time called the Jacobite takeover. During this time, Protestants were removed from their government jobs in Ireland. Sir John Temple had to leave Ireland and go to England. His lands were taken away by the government at that time.

Returning to Ireland and Later Life

After the Glorious Revolution in 1688, things settled down. The Jacobite forces were defeated in 1691. Sir John Temple was able to return to Ireland. He then served as the Attorney General for Ireland until May 1695. This was another very important legal role for the government.

When he returned to Ireland, he was given about 12,000 acres of land in County Sligo. These lands had been taken from the native Irish people.

After his time as Attorney General, Sir John Temple retired. He moved to his estates in East Sheen, which is south of London. He passed away there on March 10, 1705.

Sir John Temple's Family and Descendants

Sir John Temple married Jane Yarner in 1663. Jane's father, Sir Abraham Yarner, was an important official in Ireland. Sir John and Jane had many children together. At least seven of their children grew up to be adults.

Their oldest son who survived was named Henry. He was born around 1673 and lived until 1757. Henry later became the first Viscount Palmerston. A viscount is a noble title, a bit like a lord.

Sir John Temple also had five daughters who lived to adulthood:

• Jane Martha (1672-1751): She married two times. Her second marriage was to William Bentinck, 1st Earl of Portland. She had children from this marriage. A famous artist named Michael Dahl painted her portrait. She became a governess (a teacher) for the royal children under King George I.
• Frances (died 1707): She married William Berkeley, 4th Baron Berkeley of Stratton. Through her daughter Frances, Lady Byron, she was an ancestor of the very famous poet Lord Byron.
• Mary: She married Thomas Flower. They had a son named William Flower, 1st Baron Castle Durrow.
• Catherine (died 1694): She also married two times.
• Dorothy: She married Francis Colville.