Peter Creagh facts for kids

Peter Creagh was an important Irish bishop who lived in the late 1600s and early 1700s. He was also known as Piers Crevens. Peter was born in Carrigeen, Ireland, on July 25, 1642. He passed away in Strasbourg on July 25, 1705.

Peter Creagh's Early Life and Education

Peter Creagh was a very smart student. He went to a special school in Poitiers, France, run by the Jesuits. In 1660, he moved to Rome, Italy, to study at the Pontifical Irish College. There, he earned a high degree called a doctorate.

In February 1666, Peter became a priest. He worked in Ireland for three years, helping people in his community. After that, he became a representative for Irish bishops in Rome. This meant he helped them with important matters. Peter was good at languages; he could speak Italian, Latin, French, English, and Irish. A man named Oliver Plunkett described him in 1671 as being of average height, with a long, oval face and reddish-brown hair and beard.

Becoming a Bishop

On May 27, 1676, Peter Creagh became the Bishop of Cork and Cloyne. This important ceremony took place in Rome.

A Difficult Time: The Popish Plot

During a time when people were worried about a made-up plan called the "Popish Plot," Peter Creagh faced a tough challenge. He was arrested in March 1680 because some people thought he was involved in a plot against King Charles II of England. He spent two years in prison, but he was found innocent in August 1682. During his trial, something amazing happened: the roof of the courthouse collapsed! It just missed the judge and his accusers, but Peter was completely safe.

Life After Ireland

After King James II of England lost power in 1690, Peter Creagh left Ireland. In 1693, he was chosen to become the Archbishop of Dublin. This was a very high position, and King James himself recommended him. However, Peter was never able to return to Ireland to take on this role.

He moved to Strasbourg and became a Coadjutor Bishop there. This meant he helped the main bishop. Peter Creagh lived the rest of his life in Strasbourg, where he passed away on his birthday, July 25, 1705.