Robert Echlin (British Army officer) facts for kids
Robert Echlin (born around 1657, died around 1723) was an Irish army officer. He led the famous 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons for many years. He also served as a politician in both the Irish and British parliaments. Later in life, he faced many money problems and felt his military career was not going well. Because of this, he joined the Jacobite cause, which supported the old royal family. He died in France as an exile. He was the first owner of the special Echlin Sword.
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Early Life and Family
Robert Echlin was born in Ardquin, County Down, Ireland. He was the youngest son of Robert Echlin. His great-grandfather was Robert Echlin, who was a bishop from 1612 to 1635. The Echlin family came to Ireland from Fife, Scotland, in the early 1600s.
His mother was Mary Leslie. Her father, Henry Leslie, was also a bishop. Robert's father died soon after he was born. This left his family without much money. However, his mother later married Sir Robert Ward, which helped their financial situation.
Robert had an older brother, Sir Henry Echlin. Henry became a very successful lawyer and judge. He was even made the first of the Echlin baronets in 1721. Henry owned large estates, including Kenure House in Rush, County Dublin. Their third brother, John, also did well. John was the father of Charles Echlin, who became a Member of Parliament.
Money Troubles
For a while, Robert shared in his brothers' success. He even bought land in County Monaghan. But he soon ran into serious money problems. He struggled with debt for many years.
Robert believed his financial troubles were the fault of the English Crown (the government). He said they did not pay his wages or give him promotions. He claimed he often paid his soldiers himself. Eventually, he had to sell his lands.
By 1712, he wanted to retire from the army. In 1713, he begged the government for help. He said he was facing "utter ruin." His anger at the government for not rewarding his long service likely made him join the Jacobites in 1715. It is not clear if his successful brother Henry helped him financially.
Robert was not a lawyer like Henry. But he was made an honorary member of the King's Inns. This was a special honor for someone who was not a lawyer. It showed how much his service to the Crown was valued.
Military Career
Robert Echlin first fought in 1689. This was during the Williamite War in Ireland. He helped defend Inch in County Down. Later that year, his uncle, Sir Albert Cunningham, formed the Iniskilling Dragoons. Echlin became a Lieutenant-Colonel in this new regiment.
He and his men fought bravely at the Siege of Derry. They also fought at the Battle of the Boyne. King William III praised their service. People often say Echlin first used the Echlin Sword at the Boyne. However, it is more likely the sword was made around 1708.
When his uncle died in 1691, Echlin asked to lead the Regiment. He said he knew all the men and was related to the officers. He also said his hard work had made it a strong regiment. His request was granted. Over time, he became a Lieutenant General. But he often complained that his pay was late.
In 1707, the government in Dublin Castle removed him from his positions. But he was given back his command in 1709. The Regiment went to Scotland in 1708. This is when the Echlin Sword is thought to have been made. Later, the Regiment went to the Low Countries. In 1712, the Regiment was sent back to England. This was possibly to punish Echlin for his complaints. The Regiment was also made smaller.
Soon after Queen Anne died, Echlin was suddenly removed from his command. He said the only reason given was that he was a Tory (a political group). He complained he was not paid anything, even though he was very poor. He could not support his family. By now, he had lost all faith in the government. He followed his friend, the Duke of Ormonde, to France. There, he offered his services to the Old Pretender, who was the Jacobite claimant to the throne.
Political Life
Robert Echlin was a Member of Parliament in Ireland. He represented Monaghan Borough from 1695 to 1703. He also served in the British Parliament. He was the member for Sudbury from 1710 to 1713.
In politics, he was a loyal supporter of James Butler, 2nd Duke of Ormonde. This loyalty led to his brief removal from military command in 1707. It was almost certainly Ormonde who asked Echlin to join him in France in 1715. Ormonde had already joined the Jacobite cause. The Jacobite court was disappointed that only a few of Ormonde's followers joined them. They noted that those who did, like Echlin, were often people who had lost everything and had nothing more to lose.
Joining the Jacobites
During the Jacobite Rising of 1715, which did not succeed, Echlin was sent to Scotland. He faced many dangers. He reached the Orkney Islands, found a ship, and returned to Europe. He spent his last years in France. He lived on a small pension from the Old Pretender. He said he was always ready to prove his loyalty to the Jacobite cause.
A planned invasion in 1718 was stopped because of bad weather. Ormonde wrote to Echlin, saying they might have met in their own country if not for the weather. In 1719, the Pretender secretly paid him a large sum of £300.
Marriage
In 1696, Robert Echlin married Anne. She was the daughter of Sir Francis Blundell, 3rd Baronet. Robert and Anne did not have any children. Anne died in 1724, after her husband. The exact date of Robert's death is not known.
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