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Robert King, 1st Viscount Lorton facts for kids

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The Viscount Lorton
Member of Parliament for Boyle
In office
1798 – 1 January 1801
Serving with Henry King
Preceded by Henry King
Member of Parliament for Jamestown
In office
1796–1798
Serving with Arthur Wolfe
Preceded by Arthur Wolfe
Henry Wood
Succeeded by Gilbert King
John King
Personal details
Born 12 August 1773
London, Kingdom of Great Britain
Died 20 November 1854 (aged 81)
Rockingham Castle, Northamptonshire, United Kingdom of Great Britain & Ireland
Resting place Boyle, County Roscommon
Spouse Lady Frances Parsons
Relations Margaret King (sister)
Parents Robert King, 2nd Earl of Kingston
Caroline Fitzgerald
Alma mater Exeter College, Oxford
Eton College
Military service
Allegiance  Kingdom of Great Britain
Branch/service Kingdom of Great Britain British Army
Years of service 1792-96
Rank General
Battles/wars War of the First Coalition

General Robert Edward King, 1st Viscount Lorton (born August 12, 1773 – died November 20, 1854) was an important Anglo-Irish nobleman and politician. He was known for his strong views against certain religious groups and his connection to a group called the Orange Order.

Robert King's Early Life and Family

Robert King was born in London in 1773. He was the second son of Robert King, 2nd Earl of Kingston and Caroline Fitzgerald. His mother's family was very wealthy. This made the King family one of the richest in Ireland for a while. His sister was Margaret King. A famous writer named Mary Wollstonecraft even worked as a teacher for his family.

Marriage and Children

On December 9, 1799, Robert King married his cousin, Lady Frances Parsons. Her father was Laurence Harman Parsons, 1st Earl of Rosse. They had seven children together, including two sons and five daughters. His older son later became an Earl, which is a high noble title. His younger son started a new family line called King-Harman.

Robert King's Career in Politics and Military

Robert King had a successful career in both politics and the military. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Irish House of Commons. He represented Jamestown from 1796 to 1798. After that, he represented Boyle until 1801. This was when Ireland and Great Britain joined together to form the United Kingdom.

Military Achievements

In the military, Robert King showed great skill in battles. He rose through the ranks quickly. He became a Major-General in 1808. Then, he was promoted to Lieutenant-General in 1813. Finally, he became a full General in 1830. Even though he was successful, he is not as famous as other military leaders like Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.

Political Views

In Parliament, Robert King was known for his very strong political opinions. He was a leading member of the Orange Order in Ireland. This group had specific beliefs about politics and religion.

Titles and Legacy

Robert King received several important titles during his life. On December 29, 1800, he was made Baron Erris. This was a title in the Peerage of Ireland. Later, on May 28, 1806, he was given an even higher title: Viscount Lorton.

Later Life and Successors

In 1823, he was chosen as a representative peer. This meant he could represent Ireland's nobility in the British Parliament. From 1831 to 1854, he was also the Lord Lieutenant of Roscommon. This was an important ceremonial role. Robert King passed away on November 20, 1854, at Rockingham Castle.

His older son, Robert King, 2nd Viscount Lorton, later inherited the title of Earl of Kingston. This happened after his cousin passed away in 1869. Since then, the titles of Viscount Lorton and Earl of Kingston have stayed together. His younger son, Lawrence, inherited some family estates. These estates were then passed down through his family.

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