Richard Bagwell facts for kids

Richard Bagwell (born December 9, 1840 – died December 4, 1918) was an important historian. He wrote a lot about Ireland during the time of the Tudor and Stuart kings and queens. He also shared his strong political ideas about Unionism, which meant he wanted Ireland to stay part of the United Kingdom.

Richard was the oldest son of John Bagwell. His father was a Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Clonmel from 1857 to 1874. Richard's own son, John Philip Bagwell, also became involved in politics. He was a Senator in the government of the Irish Free State in 1923.

Richard Bagwell's Education and Books

Richard Bagwell went to school at Harrow and then to Oxford in England. He later became a lawyer, joining the Inner Temple in 1866.

He is best known for his big history books about Ireland. These include:

• Ireland Under the Tudors, which came out in three parts between 1885 and 1890.
• Ireland Under the Stuarts, also in three parts, published in 1909 and 1910.

Because of his important work, he received special honorary degrees. Dublin University gave him a Doctor of Letters (Litt. D.) degree in 1913. Oxford University also gave him a D.Litt. degree in 1917. He even wrote the history section about Ireland for the famous Encyclopædia Britannica in 1911.

Richard Bagwell's Public Service

Richard Bagwell was involved in many important roles in public life. From 1905 to 1918, he was a Commissioner on National Education. This meant he helped make decisions about schools and learning in Ireland.

He was also a member of the Patriotic Union, a group of Southern Unionists. In 1869, he held the position of High Sheriff of County Tipperary. This was an important local role, like a chief law enforcement officer. He was also a Justice of the Peace for County Tipperary and later for Waterford. This meant he could deal with minor legal cases.

Richard Bagwell also served as a Deputy Lieutenant of Tipperary. From 1898 to 1903, he was a Special Local Government Commissioner. He was also the President of the Borstal Association of Ireland. This group worked with young offenders.

Richard Bagwell's Family Life

Richard Bagwell married Harriet Philippa Joscelyn Newton on January 9, 1873. They had one son, John Philip Bagwell, and three daughters. Their daughters were named Emily Georgiana, Margaret, and Lilla Minnie. Richard Bagwell passed away on December 4, 1918, at his home in Marlfield.

Richard Bagwell's Main Books

Richard Bagwell's most famous works were his detailed history books.

Ireland Under the Tudors

This series covered different periods of Tudor rule in Ireland:

• The years 1534 to 1558.
• The years 1558 to 1578.
• The years 1579 to 1603.

Ireland Under the Stuarts

This series focused on the Stuart period in Ireland:

• The years 1603 to 1642.
• The years 1642 to 1660.
• The years 1660 to 1690.