Nicholas Browne, 2nd Viscount Kenmare facts for kids
Nicholas Browne, 2nd Viscount Kenmare (born around 1660, died 1720) was an important Irish politician and soldier. He was known as the 2nd Viscount Kenmare. He supported the Jacobites, who were followers of King James II.
Early Life and Family Connections
Nicholas Browne was the son of Sir Valentine Browne, who was the 1st Viscount Kenmare. His mother was Jane Plunkett. In 1684, Nicholas Browne married his cousin, Helen Browne. Through this marriage, he received a large amount of land from his father-in-law.
In 1687, Nicholas Browne held an important local job as the High Sheriff of County Cork. This role meant he was in charge of law and order in the county.
His father, Valentine Browne, was given the title of Viscount Kenmare in 1689 by King James II. This happened even after King James II had been removed from the English throne by Parliament. However, James II was still recognized as the King of Ireland at that time.
Role in the Williamite War
In 1689, Nicholas Browne was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for County Kerry. This was part of the special Patriot Parliament called by King James II.
During the Williamite War in Ireland, Nicholas Browne strongly supported the Jacobite side. He even created his own group of soldiers, called a regiment, and became its leader (colonel). He fought under a French-Jacobite commander named the Marquis de Boisseleau early in the war.
In March 1690, Browne and his regiment were stationed in Cork. They helped defend the city during the Siege of Cork. King James II did not allow Browne's regiment to join the French army under another leader. After the Jacobites lost the war, Nicholas Browne and his father were declared traitors in 1691. This meant they lost their land and titles for life.
Life in Exile
After the war ended, Nicholas Browne had to leave Ireland in 1691. He first lived in Ghent and then in Brussels, both cities in what is now Belgium.
In 1694, his father passed away. Nicholas Browne then inherited the titles of Viscount and Baronet. However, these titles were only recognized by other Jacobites. This was because the titles were created by King James II after he was removed from the throne, and because Nicholas had been declared a traitor.
From his exile, Nicholas Browne often wrote letters to his son, Valentine Browne, and other people in Ireland. He worked hard to try and get the family's seized lands back for his son. Nicholas Browne died in Brussels in 1720 and was buried in the Church of St Nicholas there.
