Lewis O'Dempsey, 2nd Viscount Clanmalier facts for kids
Lewis O'Dempsey, 2nd Viscount Clanmalier (died 1683), was an important Irish nobleman from the 1600s. He lived during a very difficult time in Irish history, marked by major conflicts and changes.
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Who Was Lewis O'Dempsey?
Lewis O'Dempsey came from an old Irish family called the Dempsey clan. They lived in the area of Leinster, especially in what was then called Queen's County (now County Laois). His family had managed to keep their lands for a long time.
Early Life and Family
Lewis's grandfather, Terence O'Dempsey, 1st Viscount Clanmalier, was a respected local leader. He was made a viscount, which is a type of nobleman, in 1631. Lewis's father, Owny O'Dempsey, died young. Because of this, Lewis became the 2nd Viscount Clanmalier in 1638, taking over from his grandfather. His mother was Mary Nugent.
A Time of Trouble in Ireland
While his grandfather had followed the Protestant Church of Ireland, Lewis was a Roman Catholic. This was important because religion was a big issue in Ireland at the time. In 1641, a major rebellion broke out in Ireland. Lewis was accused of being part of this Irish Rebellion of 1641.
Losing and Regaining His Lands
After the rebellion, England sent an army led by Oliver Cromwell to take control of Ireland. This period is known as the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. Because Lewis was accused of rebellion, the English government took away his lands in Kings County (now County Offaly) and Queen's County.
However, things changed in 1660 when the king returned to power in England. This event was called the Restoration. Lewis was later found innocent of many of the charges against him. Even so, it was very hard for him to get his lands back. Despite this struggle, he did get his title of Viscount back in 1662.
Family Life and Legacy
Lewis O'Dempsey was married two times. His first wife was Martha Itchingham. Later, in 1671, he married Dorothy Molloy. Lewis was succeeded by his son, Maximilian O'Dempsey, 3rd Viscount Clanmalier, who became the next Viscount. Lewis was also a cousin of Patrick Sarsfield, 1st Earl of Lucan, who became a famous Irish military leader.
