Patrick Lawless (Jacobite) facts for kids

Patrick Lawless was an important Irish soldier and diplomat. He was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1676. Later in life, he became known as Patricio Laules in Spain. He served the Spanish king, Philip V, as a diplomat.

Early Life and Military Service

Patrick Lawless was the son of Walter Lawless and Ann Bryan. By 1691, he was fighting in Ireland for King James II. This was during a time called the Williamite War. He was captured after a big battle called the Battle of Aughrim.

After being released, he joined many other Irish soldiers who left Ireland. This event was known as the "Flight of the Wild Geese." They went to France. There, Patrick Lawless became a special assistant to the exiled King James II. Later, he served James Francis Edward Stuart, who was also known as the Old Pretender. The Old Pretender was the son of James II and hoped to become king.

Serving the Spanish King

The Old Pretender chose Lawless to be his representative to King Philip V of Spain. King Philip V was very impressed with Lawless. He made Lawless the commander of a special army group called the Regiment of Hibernia. This group was made up of Irish soldiers serving Spain.

A Diplomat for Spain

After a peace agreement called the Peace of Utrecht, King Philip V gave Patrick Lawless an even bigger job. He made him the Spanish ambassador to Queen Anne of Great Britain. An ambassador is like a country's representative in another country.

This appointment caused some concern among a political group in Britain called the Whigs. They were worried about an Irish Catholic being a foreign minister. However, Lawless kept his job as ambassador even after Queen Anne died in 1714.

Later Missions and Life

When Patrick Lawless returned to Spain in September 1714, he became the King's Lieutenant of Madrid. This was an important position in the capital city.

In 1718, he was sent on a special mission. He traveled to Sweden and Russia. His goal was to try and create an alliance against Britain. From 1720 to 1725, he served as Spain's ambassador to France.

After his time in France, he became a Lieutenant General and governor of Majorca. Majorca is a large island belonging to Spain. Patrick Lawless died there on March 19, 1739.

See also

In Spanish: Patricio Laules para niños