Patrick Trant facts for kids

Sir Patrick Trant (around 1640 – 1694) was an important figure in Irish politics. He was known as Sir Patrick Trant, 1st Baronet for a few years. He was an Anglo-Irish politician who supported King James II.

Early Life and Career

Patrick Trant was the son of Richard Trant. He worked in London as a representative for the islands of Barbados and the Leeward Islands. He helped Sir William Stapleton, 1st Baronet with his business there.

In 1684, Trant became an Irish Commissioner of Excise. This meant he helped collect taxes on certain goods. In 1686, James II of England made him a knight. This was a special honor. In the same year, he was given the title of baronet of Portarlington. A baronet is a hereditary title, like a knight but passed down through the family. He also served as the High Sheriff of Kildare for one year. By this time, he had bought a lot of land in Ireland, owning over 10,500 acres.

Loyalty to King James II

After the Glorious Revolution, Sir Patrick Trant remained loyal to King James II. This was a time when King James II lost his throne. Trant became a Member of Parliament for Queen's County in the Irish House of Commons. This was part of the Patriot Parliament in 1689.

In 1690, Trant was chosen to assess taxes for County Kildare and Queen's County. After the Williamite War in Ireland ended, King William III took away Trant's title and all his land. This happened because Trant had supported King James II. A document was found that would have made Trant a baron, with the title Lord Maryborough. But King James II, who was now in exile, never signed it. Sir Patrick Trant went to France with King James II and died there three years later in 1694.

Family Life

Sir Patrick Trant married Helen Nagle. She was related to Sir Richard Nagle. They had five sons and three daughters. His brother, Dominick, married a sister of Sir Stephen Rice.