Nicholas Netterville, 3rd Viscount Netterville facts for kids

Nicholas Netterville, 3rd Viscount Netterville (died 1689) was an important Irish nobleman and soldier. He lived during a very busy time in Irish history. He was known for supporting King James II during a period of big changes in England and Ireland.

Early Life and Family

Nicholas Netterville was the son of John Netterville, 2nd Viscount Netterville. His mother was Lady Elizabeth Weston. Her father was Richard Weston, 1st Earl of Portland. This means Nicholas came from a well-known and important family.

Becoming a Viscount

In 1659, Nicholas inherited his father's title. This made him the 3rd Viscount Netterville. A viscount is a type of nobleman, ranking below an earl and above a baron. This title came with certain lands and responsibilities.

Losing and Regaining Land

During this time, many Irish families lost their lands. Nicholas Netterville's family estates were taken away. This happened because of a law called the Act for the Settlement of Ireland 1652. This law allowed the government to seize lands from people who had opposed them.

After the Stuart Restoration, things changed. King Charles II returned to the throne. Nicholas tried to get his family's property back. He managed to get back about 6,000 acres of land. However, this was only a small part of what his family had lost. It was about one-fifth of their original estates.

Supporting King James II

A major event called the Glorious Revolution happened in 1688. King James II was removed from the throne in England. Nicholas Netterville chose to stay loyal to King James II. James II came to Dublin, Ireland, in March 1689.

Role in Government

When King James II arrived, he made Nicholas Netterville a member of the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of important advisors to the King. In May 1689, Nicholas was also asked to join the Irish House of Lords. This was part of a special meeting called the Patriot Parliament.

Joining the Army

Nicholas Netterville also became a soldier. He joined King James's army during the Williamite War in Ireland. This war was fought between the supporters of King James II and the supporters of William of Orange. Nicholas became a lieutenant in the army.

Capture and Death

In 1689, Nicholas Netterville was captured. He was taken prisoner in Derry. Soon after, he was declared an outlaw. This meant he had lost his legal rights. Nicholas Netterville died shortly after his capture in 1689. It is thought he might have died from wounds he received. His eldest son, John, then became the 4th Viscount Netterville.