Lucius O'Brien, 13th Baron Inchiquin facts for kids
Lucius O'Brien (born December 5, 1800 – died March 22, 1872) was an important Irish politician and nobleman. He was known as Sir Lucius O'Brien, 5th Baronet, for many years before he became the 13th Baron Inchiquin. People in County Clare remember him for his helpful work during the terrible famine years.
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A Life of Service: Lucius O'Brien's Story
Lucius O'Brien was born in 1800 at Dromoland Castle. He was the oldest son of Sir Edward O'Brien and Charlotte Smith. He went to Trinity College, Cambridge and finished his studies in 1825.
Early Political Career
In 1826, Lucius O'Brien became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Clare. An MP is a person elected to represent an area in the country's parliament. He was part of the Tory political group. In 1830, he lost his seat to candidates from the Whig group.
He tried again to become an MP for Clare in 1835 but was not successful. Instead, he was chosen to be the High Sheriff of Clare for that year. A High Sheriff is a local official who helps with law and order.
Taking on Important Roles
When his father passed away in 1837, Lucius inherited the title of Baronet. This meant he became Sir Lucius O'Brien, 5th Baronet. In 1843, he was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Clare. This was another important local role, representing the King or Queen in the county.
In 1847, he ran for MP in Clare again and won. He wrote a book in 1848 called Ireland in 1848: the late famine and the Poor Laws. This book was about the terrible famine that affected Ireland at that time.
His brother, William Smith O'Brien, who was a Liberal politician, led a protest in 1848 that did not succeed. Lucius O'Brien did not run for MP in 1852.
Becoming Baron Inchiquin
In 1855, Lucius O'Brien inherited the title of Baron Inchiquin. This title came from a distant cousin. His right to this title was officially confirmed in 1862. In 1863, he was chosen to be a representative peer for Ireland. This meant he could represent Irish noblemen in the British Parliament.
Lucius O'Brien passed away in 1872 at Dromoland Castle. His son, Edward O'Brien, 14th Baron Inchiquin, inherited his title.
Family Life
Lucius O'Brien married Mary, who was the daughter of William FitzGerald. They had three children together:
- Edward O'Brien, 14th Baron Inchiquin
- Charlotte O'Brien
- Mary Grace O'Brien
