Mark Baggot facts for kids

Mark Baggot was an important Irish politician and soldier who lived a long time ago, dying in 1718. He was a supporter of the Jacobite cause, which meant he supported James II of England as the rightful king.

Early Life and Important Groups

Mark Baggot was a very active person in his time. On January 28, 1684, he became one of the first members of the Dublin Philosophical Society. This was a group where smart people in Dublin met to discuss new ideas in science and learning, much like a modern-day science club for adults.

Political Career

Baggot also played a role in politics. In 1689, he was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for Carlow. A Member of Parliament is someone elected to represent their area in the government's law-making body. He served in a special parliament called the Patriot Parliament, which was set up by King James II. King James II also gave Baggot another important job: he made him the High Sheriff of Carlow. A High Sheriff was a top official in a county, responsible for keeping the peace and carrying out the law.

Role in the Williamite War

During a big conflict known as the Williamite War in Ireland, Mark Baggot served as a soldier. He was a captain in a group of soldiers called Colonel John Grace's Regiment of Infantry. This war was a major event in Irish history, deciding who would rule the country.

Later Life and Challenges

After the war, it seemed like Mark Baggot was not punished by the new government, perhaps because of his connections with the Dublin Philosophical Society and his friendship with an important church leader named Bishop William King.

However, things changed later. In 1701, some important people from County Meath asked the government in Dublin Castle to take away Baggot's lands. They described him as a "violent papist," which meant they strongly disliked his Catholic faith. Because of this, his lands were taken away in 1702 and given to another person named Philip Savage.