Robert MacCarty, Viscount Muskerry facts for kids

Robert MacCarty, Viscount Muskerry (1698 – 19 September 1769) was an Irish officer in the Royal Navy. He also worked as a colonial administrator, which means he helped manage a colony for a country. He came from an important Irish family called MacCarthy of Muskerry.

Early Life and Family

Robert was the son of Donough MacCarty, who was the 4th Earl of Clancarty. His mother was Lady Elizabeth. Robert went to school at St Paul's School in London. His father had supported King James II in a war. Because of this, his father lost his titles and lands in 1691. This meant Robert could not become an Earl like his father. However, people still called him "Viscount Muskerry" as a special title of respect.

Serving the King

Robert joined the Royal Navy in 1713. He served for many years, becoming a Captain. He commanded several ships, including HMS Solebay and HMS Hampshire. From 1733 to 1734, he held a very important job. He was the Commodore Governor of Newfoundland. This made him the first Irish person to lead this colony.

Life After the Navy

In 1741, Robert decided to leave the Royal Navy. He chose to join a group called the Jacobites. These were people who supported the Stuart family, who had been kings of England before. Robert moved to France to be with the exiled Stuart court.

Because he joined the Jacobites, he was not included in a special law. This law, called the Indemnity Act 1747, offered a pardon to many Jacobites. But Robert was not pardoned. The King of France, Louis XV, gave him a yearly payment of 1,000 livres.

Personal Life

Robert MacCarty married Joanna Player in 1722. They did not have any children together. Joanna passed away in 1759. Later, he married his second wife, Elizabeth Farnelly. They had one daughter. Lord Muskerry died in Boulogne, France, in September 1769.

See also

• Earl of Clancarty