Richard Wingfield, 1st Viscount Powerscourt (first creation) facts for kids

Richard Wingfield, 1st Viscount Powerscourt (born around 1550 – died September 9, 1634) was an important English army officer. He also worked as a military leader and manager during the time of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. He is best known for defeating the forces of Sir Cahir O'Doherty in 1608. This happened during a conflict called O'Doherty's Rebellion in Ireland.

Who Was Richard Wingfield?

Richard Wingfield was born in England around 1550. His father was also named Richard Wingfield, who was the Governor of Portsmouth. His mother was Christian Fitzwilliam. Her brother, Sir William Fitzwilliam, was a very important official in Ireland called the Lord Deputy.

Early Military Career

Richard Wingfield first went to Ireland as a soldier looking for adventure. This was in the late 1500s. He also fought in other countries like Flanders, France, and Portugal. He became a lieutenant colonel, which is a high rank in the army.

When he returned to Ireland, he showed great bravery. He was even wounded while fighting against a leader named Tyrone. In 1595, he was made a knight by the Lord Deputy, William Russell. This ceremony took place in Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin.

In 1600, he became the Marshal of Ireland. This was a very important military position. He had a group of fifty horsemen and a company of soldiers under his command. In 1601, he helped lead the attack on Kinsale. He was one of the people who signed the agreement when the Spanish troops surrendered there.

Role in O'Doherty's Rebellion

In May 1608, a conflict known as O'Doherty's Rebellion began. Sir Cahir O'Doherty had attacked and burned the city of Derry. Richard Wingfield led his army into Ulster to fight against O'Doherty. Wingfield's forces defeated O'Doherty, who was killed in the battle. His followers were scattered.

Because of this important victory, Richard Wingfield was rewarded. In 1609, he was given the Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow, Ireland.

Later Life and Achievements

From 1613 to 1615, Richard Wingfield served in the Parliament of Ireland. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Downpatrick.

In 1618, King James I gave him a special title. He became the Viscount Powerscourt. This made him a nobleman. He held several other important jobs for the Crown after this.

Family and Death

Richard Wingfield married Frances Rugge. She was the daughter of William Rugge. Frances had two daughters from a previous marriage. Her older daughter, Frances Cromwell, married Sir John Wingfield in 1619. Her younger daughter, Anne Cromwell, married Richard's cousin, Sir Edward Wingfield, also in 1619.

Richard Wingfield died on September 9, 1634. He did not have any children of his own with Frances. Because of this, his title of Viscount Powerscourt ended when he died. His lands and estates were passed on to his cousin, Sir Edward Wingfield.

The title of Viscount Powerscourt was later given to other members of the Wingfield family in 1665 and again in 1743.