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John de Burgh, 13th Earl of Clanricarde facts for kids

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The Earl of Clanricarde
PC (Ire)
13th Earl of Clanricarde.jpg
Governor of Kingston-upon-Hull
In office
1801–1808
Preceded by Hon. William Harcourt
Succeeded by Sir William Medows
Personal details
Born
John Thomas de Burgh

(1744-09-22)22 September 1744
Died 27 July 1808(1808-07-27) (aged 63)
Nationality Irish
Spouse Elizabeth Burke
Children
  • Ulick John de Burgh
  • Lady Hester de Burgh
  • Lady Emily de Burgh
Parents
Relatives Henry de Burgh, 1st Marquess of Clanricarde (brother)
Military career
Allegiance United Kingdom United Kingdom
Service/branch  British Army
Years of service 1793–1808
Rank
Commands held

John Thomas de Burgh (born September 22, 1744 – died July 27, 1808) was an important Irish soldier and noble. He was known as the 13th Earl of Clanricarde. He also held the title of the 1st Earl of Clanricarde from a new creation.

He was a member of the Privy Council of Ireland starting in 1801. This council advised the King or Queen on important matters. He also served as the Governor of County Galway from 1798 to 1808.

A Military Career

Elba Korsika
The beautiful Isle of Elba.

John Thomas de Burgh had a long and active military career. In 1793, he helped create a new army group. This group was called the 88th Regiment of Foot. It was later known as the Connaught Rangers.

He led this regiment for a time. After that, he became the Colonel of the 66th (Berkshire) Regiment of Foot in 1794. A Colonel is a high-ranking officer in the army. He held this position until 1808.

From 1801 to 1808, he was also the Governor of Hull. This was an important leadership role in the city of Hull.

Serving in Corsica and Elba

In 1796, de Burgh was in charge of troops in Corsica. This island is in the Mediterranean Sea. He worked with Commodore Horatio Nelson. They planned to attack a city called Leghorn (now Livorno) in Italy.

Later, he moved his soldiers from Corsica to another island called Elba. In January 1797, he helped evacuate, or move out, everyone from Elba. He was promoted to a full General in the army in 1803. This is one of the highest ranks a soldier can achieve.

A Love for Cricket

Besides his military duties, de Burgh was also a big fan of cricket. He even played for a team from Surrey in 1773. He might have been a guest player, as his name only appears a few times in old game records.

His most important contribution to cricket was as a member of the Hambledon Club. This was a very famous cricket club. He joined the club before 1772. In 1784, he became the President of the Hambledon Club.

Family and Titles

John Thomas de Burgh inherited a special title in 1797. His older brother, Henry, passed away. Henry was the 12th Earl and 1st Marquess of Clanricarde. John inherited the Earldom, which was a very old title from 1543.

In 1800, he was given another title. He was made the Earl of Clanricarde again, but this was a new creation. This new title meant that if he didn't have any sons, his daughters could inherit it. His daughters were Lady Hester Catherine de Burgh and Lady Emily de Burgh.

Public Service

In 1800, de Burgh was chosen as one of the first 28 Irish Representative Peers. These peers represented Ireland in the British Parliament. He also became a Privy Councillor in 1801.

He was also made the Governor and Custos Rotulorum of County Galway from 1798 to 1808. This meant he was in charge of keeping records and order in the county.

His Family Life

John Thomas de Burgh was married to Elizabeth. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Burke. They had one son, Ulick John. Ulick John later became the next Earl.

They also had two daughters. Lady Hester married the Marquess of Sligo. Lady Emily married the Earl of Howth.

John was a member of the Anglican Church. His wife, Elizabeth, was a Catholic.

Honours and Symbols

  • PC (Ire): He became a Privy Counsellor in 1801. This was a great honour.

Family Motto

The de Burgh family motto is UNG ROY, UNG FOY, UNG LOY. This means One king, one faith, one law.

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