Patrick Segrave facts for kids

Patrick Segrave was an Irish judge who lived in the late 1500s and early 1600s. He was an important person in the legal system of Ireland during his time. However, he faced serious trouble and was removed from his job because of some unfair actions. He passed away around the year 1610.

Who Was Patrick Segrave?

Patrick Segrave was a judge, which means he helped make decisions in legal cases. He was known for his work in the early 1600s. Not much is known about his mother. He married a woman named Mary Dillon before 1589. Her father, Robert Dillon, was also a very important judge.

Early Life and Family

Patrick Segrave's father-in-law, Robert Dillon, was a Chief Justice. In 1589, Robert Dillon sent Patrick to London, England. Patrick carried gifts like hawks and horses for a group called the Privy Council. This council was a group of important advisors to the King or Queen.

When Patrick's own father died in 1598, Patrick took his place. He became a Baron of the Exchequer. This was a special kind of judge who dealt with money matters for the government.

Facing Serious Accusations

In 1602, Patrick Segrave was accused of doing things that were not honest. These accusations involved taking gifts or money to make unfair decisions. He had to go to a special court called the Court of Castle Chamber. This court was similar to another famous court in England called the Star Chamber.

The Land Dispute

One of the main accusations against Patrick Segrave was about a piece of land. The land belonged to the Delahide family in a place called Dunshaughlin, in County Meath. This land had been taken by the King because the family had acted against the King.

Patrick Segrave was accused of working with two other people, Richard Read and David Russell. They supposedly tried to get a jury (a group of people who make decisions in court) to say that the land should go to Richard Read. In return, Patrick Segrave was accused of taking a large amount of money. He was also accused of trying to give money to another important official, Sir Richard Cooke, who managed the King's money in Ireland.

The Outcome

After his trial, Patrick Segrave was found guilty. Because of this, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, who was the King's main representative in Ireland, removed him from his job. Patrick Segrave also had to pay a large fine of £1000. This was a very big amount of money at the time! He was also put in prison for a period decided by the King.

Later Years

Even though he faced serious trouble, Patrick Segrave's disgrace did not last forever. In 1607, he was allowed to join the King's Inns. This is a place where lawyers train and meet. He even became a member of its main council. He attended meetings of this council until 1610. After that year, his name is no longer found in the records.

It is believed that a Patrick Segrave who owned land in Killeglan and lost it during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 was probably his son or grandson.