Richard FitzWilliam, 6th Viscount FitzWilliam facts for kids

Richard FitzWilliam, 6th Viscount FitzWilliam, wearing the Star of the Order of the Bath. Portrait c.1744 by William Hoare. Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge

The FitzWilliam family coat of arms.

Richard FitzWilliam, 6th Viscount FitzWilliam (born 1711, died 1776) was an important person from Ireland. He held a special title called a "Viscount," which is a noble rank. He was also known for being a property developer, meaning he helped build and improve areas. He lived near Dublin, Ireland, at a place called Mount Merrion.

Family Background

Richard FitzWilliam was the oldest son of Richard FitzWilliam, 5th Viscount FitzWilliam. His mother was Frances Shelley. This means he was born into a family with a long history and important titles.

His Career and Achievements

Richard FitzWilliam took over his father's role as Vice-Admiral of Leinster in 1728. This was an important position related to naval affairs in the Leinster region of Ireland.

In 1743, he became the 6th Viscount FitzWilliam after his father passed away. This meant he inherited his father's title and responsibilities. He then took his place in the Irish House of Lords, which was like a parliament for Ireland at the time.

He received several special honors:

• In 1744, he was made a Knight Companion of the Order of the Bath (KB). This is a very old and respected award given for public service.
• In 1747, he became a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS). This is a group of top scientists and thinkers, showing he was interested in knowledge and discovery.
• In 1766, he joined the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of advisors to the ruler of Ireland.

For a while, he lived in England with his father-in-law, Sir Matthew Decker. But later, he moved back to his family home, Mount Merrion, near Dublin.

Marriage and Children

Catherine Decker, Richard's wife, painted around 1744.

In 1744, Richard FitzWilliam married Catherine Decker. She was the oldest daughter of Sir Matthew Decker, a very rich merchant from the Netherlands. They had several children together, including:

• Richard FitzWilliam, 7th Viscount FitzWilliam (born around 1745, died 1816): He was the oldest son and inherited his father's title. He is famous for founding the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge, England, which is a large museum with art and historical items.
• John FitzWilliam, 8th Viscount Fitzwilliam (born 1752, died 1830)
• Thomas FitzWilliam, 9th Viscount Fitzwilliam (born 1755, died 1833)
• They also had daughters: Henrietta, Mary, and Catherine.

Later Life

Lord FitzWilliam passed away on May 25, 1776, at his home in Mount Merrion. He was buried in Donnybrook Cemetery.