Josias Bodley facts for kids

Sir Josias Bodley (1550-1618) was an English military engineer and soldier. He is well-known for his service in Ireland during the Nine Years' War. After the war ended, he stayed in Ireland. There, he helped rebuild many important forts. In 1609, he was put in charge of the Bodley Survey. This survey mapped out land for the Ulster Plantation.

Early Life of Josias Bodley

Josias Bodley was born in 1550 in Exeter, England. His father, John Bodley, was a merchant. Josias was the younger brother of Sir Thomas Bodley. Thomas is famous for helping to create the Bodleian Library.

Josias spent some of his younger years living abroad. His father, a Protestant, had left England during the time of Catholic Queen Mary I. People who left England during this time were called Marian exiles.

Josias went to Merton College, Oxford. After that, he traveled around Europe. He then joined the English army. This army was helping the Dutch Republic fight against Spain. By 1598, he had become a captain.

Service in Ireland

Bodley served during the Nine Years' War in Ireland. In this war, English forces fought against a rebellion led by Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone.

During the important Battle of Kinsale, Bodley was named "Trenchmaster." This meant he was the chief engineer for the English and Irish troops. These troops were trying to capture a Spanish army.

Later, he served in Ulster. He helped attack one of Tyrone's big forts at Lough Lurcan. Today, this is known as Moyrourkan Lough. He also commanded 700 soldiers at Armagh.

When the Treaty of Mellifont ended the war, Bodley stayed in the Irish Army. Many other experienced soldiers did too. He was made a knight in March 1604. After that, he became the Inspector of Fortifications in Ireland. He was also made the Governor of Duncannon Fort.

The Bodley Survey

After the Flight of the Earls in 1607, and a rebellion led by O'Doherty, the lands of some Irish lords were taken by the King. Plans were made to bring British settlers to these lands. Some loyal Irish leaders were also given land. This plan was called the Ulster Plantation.

Josias Bodley first studied the land to help King James I and his government plan the Ulster Plantation. In 1609, he led a more detailed survey. This survey carefully mapped the Ulster landscape for the very first time. This map was used to decide who got land under the Plantation.

The King was very impressed with Bodley's work. He later asked Bodley to do more studies of Ulster.

Josias Bodley passed away in 1618. He was buried in Ireland. Two people took over his job as Inspector of Fortifications. Later, he was mentioned in a book called The Worthies of Devon by John Prince.