Phelim Reagh MacDavitt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phelim Reagh MacDavitt
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A contemporary illustration showing the ... of MacDavitt (left) and Sir Cahir O'Doherty on display on the walls of Dublin.
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| Born | |
| Died | 1608 Lifford, County Donegal, Ireland
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| Cause of death | Execution |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Occupation | Landowner, Warrior |
| Known for | O'Doherty's Rebellion |
Phelim Reagh MacDavitt was an important Irish warrior and landowner. He was known for fighting in two big wars in Ireland. These were the Nine Years War and later O'Doherty's Rebellion in 1608. He played a key role in the attack on Derry, where the town was burned. After this, he was captured and put to death.
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Phelim MacDavitt's Early Life and Role in the Nine Years War
The MacDavitt family came from Inishowen. This area is in northern County Donegal, just north of the English town of Derry. Phelim Reagh and his brother Hugh Boy MacDavitt were like adopted brothers to Cahir O'Doherty. Cahir was a young leader who was set to become the head of the O'Doherty family.
During the Tyrone's Rebellion (also called the Nine Years War), Cahir O'Doherty was kidnapped. Phelim Reagh and his brother had been supporting the Irish side. But they switched sides to help Cahir. They rescued him and helped him become the leader of the O'Dohertys. This was done with the help of Henry Docwra, the English governor of Derry.
Both Cahir and the MacDavitt brothers fought well for the English side during the war. However, they were disappointed when the war ended. The Treaty of Mellifont in 1603 gave back land to the rebels. This land had been promised to Phelim and Cahir for their loyalty.
After the war, Phelim Reagh and Cahir O'Doherty had problems with local English officials. They felt they were being treated unfairly. This made them feel pushed towards starting another rebellion.
O'Doherty's Rebellion
The tension grew until Cahir O'Doherty was told to hand over Phelim Reagh. Phelim was wanted for arrest because of some accusations. Cahir did hand him over, but he also worked hard to get Phelim released. Luckily, Cahir's efforts worked. Phelim was freed just in time to join Cahir's new rebellion.
The Burning of Derry
Cahir O'Doherty planned to start his rebellion by taking over the town of Derry. Derry was an important English military base. MacDavitt helped lead the first attack. He was part of the group that captured the Upper Fort in Derry.
During the attack, the governor of Derry, George Paulet, was killed. Many people, both English settlers and Irish locals, did not like Governor Paulet. After the fort was taken, Derry was completely burned down.
The Battle of Kilmacrennan
Phelim MacDavitt was also at a very important battle near Kilmacrennan. In this battle, Cahir O'Doherty was killed, and the rebels lost badly. After the battle, soldiers cornered MacDavitt. He fought bravely but was wounded and captured.
Phelim MacDavitt was the highest-ranking rebel leader to be executed after the rebellion. He was taken to Lifford. There, a court found him guilty. He was then put to death.
Because Phelim Reagh MacDavitt and other members of the MacDavitt family played a big part in burning Derry, they became known as the "burn-Derrys."
