Patrick Plunkett, 7th Baron of Dunsany facts for kids

Patrick Plunkett, 7th Baron of Dunsany was an important Irish nobleman who lived a long time ago. He was known for his education and for helping the government during a difficult time. He became a baron, which is a type of noble title, in the late 1500s.

Patrick's Family and Early Life

Patrick Plunkett was the son of Christopher Plunkett, who was the 6th Baron of Dunsany. His mother was Elizabeth Barnewall. When Patrick's father passed away in 1564 or 1565, Patrick became the 7th Baron.

However, Patrick was still very young, so he needed a guardian. He was placed under the care of his mother's relative, Christopher Barnewall. Sir Christopher Barnewall was an important politician and owned a lot of land in County Dublin.

Patrick later married Mary Barnewall. She was one of Sir Christopher Barnewall's many daughters. In 1572, Patrick and Mary received a large gift of money and farm animals. This was partly an early payment for their son Christopher's future marriage to another of Sir Christopher Barnewall's daughters.

Education and Public Service

Patrick Plunkett went to a grammar school in a place called Ratoath. He was known for being very smart and well-educated. A book about Ireland, written by Richard Stanihurst in 1584, was even dedicated to him! This shows how respected he was for his knowledge.

Patrick also took part in important government activities. He attended the Irish Parliament in 1585, which was a meeting where laws were made. In 1599, he held a local government position.

He helped the government deal with a rebellion in 1600. He worked with other important figures like Henry Óg O'Neill and Sir Geoffrey Fenton to keep peace. Patrick was also known by Queen Elizabeth I, who was the ruler of England and Ireland at the time. She gave him money and 20 horsemen to help him. A special mug, believed to be from the Queen, has been kept at Dunsany Castle since the 1500s.

His Death and Successors

Patrick Plunkett passed away in either 1601 or 1602. After his death, his son, Christopher, briefly became the Baron. However, Christopher also passed away soon after, in 1603. He did not get to marry the Barnewall daughter as planned. After Christopher's death, his own son, also named Patrick, became the next Baron of Dunsany.