Robert Cuninghame, 1st Baron Rossmore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Rossmore
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|---|---|
| Born | 18 April 1726 |
| Died | 6 August 1801 (aged 75) London |
| Allegiance |  Kingdom of Great Britain |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Rank | General |
| Commands held | Ireland |
| Battles/wars | Jacobite rising of 1745 |
General Robert Cuninghame, 1st Baron Rossmore (born 18 April 1726 – died 6 August 1801) was an important Irish officer in the British Army. He also served as a politician. He was a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, which was a group of advisors to the monarch in Ireland.
Early Life and Military Career
Robert Cuninghame was the son of Colonel David Cuninghame. His mother was Margaret Callander. From a young age, Robert joined the army.
He became a General in the British Army. He fought in the Jacobite rising of 1745, a major conflict in Great Britain. He took part in the Battle of Culloden in 1746. He served with the 14th Foot, which was a military regiment.
Later in his career, General Cuninghame held a very important position. He was the Commander-in-Chief of Ireland from 1793 to 1796. This meant he was in charge of all the British forces in Ireland.
Political Life and Public Service
Besides his military work, Robert Cuninghame was also involved in politics. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Irish House of Commons. This was like being a representative in the government.
He represented different areas over many years. He was an MP for Tulsk from 1751 to 1761. Then he represented Armagh Borough from 1761 to 1768. Finally, he was the MP for Monaghan Borough from 1768 to 1796.
He also served in the British House of Commons. This was the main parliament for Great Britain. He represented East Grinstead there from 1788 to 1789.
In 1782, he became a member of the Irish Privy Council. This was a group of trusted advisors to the King in Ireland. In 1796, he was given the title of Baron Rossmore. This made him a peer, which is a noble title. He became the 1st Baron Rossmore.
After 1801, Lord Rossmore became an Irish Representative Peer. This meant he could sit in the House of Lords, which is the upper house of the British Parliament. He served there from January 1801 until his death in August 1801.
Family and Legacy
Robert Cuninghame was a descendant of the Cuninghame family of Drumquhassle. In 1754, he married Elizabeth Murray. She was the daughter of Colonel John Murray. Elizabeth brought a large dowry, which was money or property given to the husband by the wife's family. Their marriage was said to be very happy.
Lord Rossmore did not have any children of his own. After he passed away, his title of Baron Rossmore went to his wife's nephew, Warner William Westenra, 2nd Baron Rossmore. Lady Rossmore lived until 1824.
His home was called Mount Kennedy. It was located near Newtownmountkennedy in County Wicklow, Ireland. He died there suddenly in August 1801. He was 75 years old and had been in good health.
A judge named Sir Jonah Barrington (1756-1834) wrote a famous story about Lord Rossmore's death. He claimed that the wailing of a banshee was heard before Lord Rossmore died. A banshee is a spirit in Irish folklore.
