Laval Nugent von Westmeath facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Count
Laval Nugent von Westmeath
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Laval Graf Nugent von Westmeath
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| Born | 7 November 1777 Ballynacor, County Westmeath, Ireland |
| Died | 21 August 1862 (aged 84) Karlovac, Austrian Empire |
| Allegiance |  Austrian Empire Kingdom of the Two Sicilies |
| Years of service | 1793-1862 |
| Rank | Field Marshal |
| Wars | Neapolitan War Carbonari Rebellion First Italian War of Independence Hungarian Revolution of 1848 |
Laval Graf Nugent von Westmeath (born November 3, 1777 – died August 21, 1862) was an important soldier. He was born in Ireland but fought for the armies of Austria and the Two Sicilies. A "Graf" is a German title, similar to a Count.
Contents
Laval Nugent's Early Life and Career
Laval Nugent was born in Ballinacor House, Ireland. His father was Count Michael Anton Nugent von Westmeath. His father was also the Governor of Prague.
In 1793, when he was just 16, Laval Nugent joined the Austrian Army. He quickly moved up in rank. By 1807, he became a Colonel. In 1809, he was made the Chief of Staff for a major army group.
Military Campaigns and Victories
Laval Nugent was a skilled military leader. In 1813, he led a campaign against a French leader named Eugène de Beauharnais. Nugent managed to separate French troops in Dalmatia. He also worked with the British navy during this time.
His actions helped Austria take control of Croatia, Istria, and the Po valley. These were important areas in Europe.
In 1815, he played a key role in the Neapolitan War. He led a part of the Austrian Army in Italy. He helped free Rome and defeated Joachim Murat in two important battles: the Battle of Ceprano and the Battle of San Germano.
Titles and Later Service
Because of his military successes, Laval Nugent received many honors. In 1816, Pope Pius VII gave him the title of prince.
In 1817, he started working for King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies. He married Countess Giovannina Riario-Sforza. Her family owned land in Montepeloso (now Irsina).
He returned to the Austrian Army in 1820. This was after a rebellion by a group called the Carbonari started.
Fighting in Revolutions
In 1848, Europe saw many revolutions. Laval Nugent led an army group under Joseph Radetzky von Radetz. They fought against the Piedmontese during the First Italian War of Independence. He also fought against the Hungarian Revolution of 1848.
In 1849, he earned the highest military rank: Field Marshal. This shows how important and successful he was as a general.
Final Honors and Death
Besides being a Roman Prince, he was also made an Austrian Imperial Count. He became a Knight of the Golden Fleece, a very special award. In 1860, he received another important title related to a military and religious order.
Laval Nugent died on August 22, 1862. He passed away at Bosiljevo Castle, near Karlovac. His body was later moved to a special temple in Trsat, above Rijeka. He was buried next to his wife.
In 2019, an exhibition about his life was held at the University of Galway. It showed his military career and his interest in collecting art. You can find more information here.
See also
In Spanish: Laval Nugent von Westmeath para niños
