Robert Colville (Irish MP) facts for kids
Sir Robert Colville (born around 1625, died 1697) was an important and rich man in Ireland. He owned a lot of land and was also a politician. He was known for increasing his family's wealth and for his role in Irish politics during a time of big changes.
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Robert's Early Life and Family
Robert Colville was likely born in Ardquin, a place in County Down, Ireland. He was the oldest son of Dr. Alexander Colville. Robert studied at Trinity College Dublin, a famous university.
His father, Alexander, was a clergyman (a religious leader) who came to Ireland from Scotland in the 1620s. He became very wealthy, though no one was quite sure how. Some people gossiped that he had made a deal with the Devil, but it's more likely he was just a very smart businessman. Alexander bought Galgorm Castle near Ballymena, County Antrim, around 1645. This castle became the family's main home.
Robert's mother was a Presbyterian, which is a type of Christian faith. Robert himself had mixed feelings about religion. As he got older, he moved towards the Anglican Church, but he still respected his mother's beliefs. His father, Alexander, was always against Presbyterianism. The strange stories about Alexander's wealth and supposed magic might have come from his enemies who were Presbyterians.
Growing Wealth and Influence
During the English Civil War, Robert Colville was an army captain. This is why people often called him "Captain Colville" for many years. He worked hard to make his family even richer and to buy more land. He made Newton House in Newtownards his main home after getting it from the Earl of Mount Alexander. He spent a lot of money making big changes to Newton House.
Robert became quite unpopular with his neighbors. They didn't like how much wealth and political power he was gaining. This was similar to how his father had been viewed. Robert took over his father's estates around 1679. He became very powerful in County Down politics. He served as the main law officer, the High Sheriff of Antrim, in 1670. He was also given the title of Knight in 1676. Throughout his life, he tried very hard to get a higher noble title, like a "Lord" or "Earl." He was promised one at least twice, but he never actually received it.
Robert's Political Career
Sir Robert Colville was a member of the Irish Parliament. He represented Hillsborough from 1661 to 1666. Later, he represented County Antrim from 1695 until he died in 1697. In 1678, he was made a member of the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of important advisors to the King.
During a difficult time in 1688 and 1689, Robert had argued with King James II of England. However, he first suggested trying to find a peaceful solution instead of trying to remove James from power. His neighbors, many of whom didn't like him, reportedly didn't welcome his advice. Later, Robert clearly supported William III of Orange, who became the new King. Robert even gathered his own tenants to fight for William. He also let William's generals use Galgorm Castle as their military base. Because of this, the Parliament that supported James II declared him an outlaw. Robert then moved to England for a short time. There, he was chosen to speak to the House of Lords about the situation in Ireland.
After William's victory, Sir Robert Colville returned to his important role in the politics of Ulster (Northern Ireland). He continued to be a helpful supporter of the government in the Irish House of Commons until he died in 1697.
Sir Robert's Family
Sir Robert Colville was married four times and had children with at least two of his wives.
His first wife was Penelope Rawdon, whom he married in December 1651. His second wife was Honora O'Hara. His third wife was Rose Leslie, whom he married in 1676. She passed away in 1693. His fourth wife was Olivia St George, whom he married before 1697. She lived longer than him and married two more times after his death.
Sir Robert's children were likely born to Penelope or Rose. At least seven of his children grew up to be adults:
- William
- Francis, who died young around 1683. He had married Dorothy Temple.
- Penelope, who was the first wife of Sir Robert Adair.
- Elizabeth, who was the first wife of Sir Ralph Gore.
- Anne, who was the first wife of Sir Maurice Eustace.
- Rose, who married John Hawkins-Magill. She was the grandmother of a very rich heiress named Theodosia Meade.
- Hugh, who, like his father, became a Member of Parliament for Antrim County. He married Sarah Margetson. Hugh was the grandfather of Stephen Moore, who inherited Galgorm Castle from his mother, Alicia Colville.
