Robert Molesworth, 1st Viscount Molesworth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Viscount Molesworth
PC (Ire)
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| Member of Parliament for County Dublin with Edward Deane |
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| In office 1695–1703 |
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| Preceded by | John Allen Chambre Brabazon |
| Succeeded by | John Allen Joseph Deane |
| Member of Parliament for Swords with James Peppard (1703–1713) Plunket Plunket (1713–1715) |
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| In office 1703–1715 |
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| Preceded by | Thomas Ashe John Reading |
| Succeeded by | Richard Molesworth Plunket Plunket |
| Member of Parliament for Camelford with Ambrose Manaton (1695–1696) Sidney Wortley Montagu (1696–1698) |
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| In office 1695–1698 |
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| Preceded by | Ambrose Manaton Henry Manaton |
| Succeeded by | Henry Manaton Dennys Glynn |
| Member of Parliament for Lostwithiel with Russell Robartes |
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| In office 1705–1706 |
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| Preceded by | Sir John Molesworth< Russell Robartes |
| Succeeded by | Russell Robartes James Kendall |
| Member of Parliament for East Retford with Sir Hardolph Wastneys |
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| In office 1706–1707 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Willoughby Hickman William Levinz |
| Succeeded by | Parliament of Great Britain |
| Member of Parliament for East Retford with Sir Hardolph Wastneys |
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| In office 1707–1708 |
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| Preceded by | Parliament of England |
| Succeeded by | William Levinz Thomas White |
| Member of Parliament for Mitchell with Nathaniel Blakiston |
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| In office 1715–1722 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Henry Belasyse John Statham |
| Succeeded by | Charles Selwyn John Hedges |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 September 1656 Brackenstown, Swords, Ireland |
| Died | 22 May 1725 (aged 68) Dublin, Ireland |
| Spouse | Hon. Letitia Coote |
| Children | John Molesworth, 2nd Viscount Molesworth Richard Molesworth, 3rd Viscount Molesworth Hon. Robert Molesworth (I) Hon. William Molesworth Hon. Edward Molesworth Hon. Coote Molesworth (I) Hon. Robert Molesworth (II) Hon. Hamilton Walter Molesworth Hon. Coote Molesworth (II) Hon. Bysse Molesworth Hon. Robert Molesworth (III) Hon. Margaret Molesworth Hon. Mary Molesworth Hon. Letitia Molesworth (I) Hon. Charlotte Molesworth Hon. Letitia Molesworth (II) |
| Parents | Robert Molesworth Judith Bysse |
| Alma mater | Trinity College Dublin (1675, B.A.) |
Robert Molesworth, 1st Viscount Molesworth (born September 7, 1656 – died May 22, 1725) was an important Anglo-Irish politician, a noble, and a writer. He was known for his strong opinions and his work in government.
Robert Molesworth came from an old family in Northamptonshire, England. His father, also named Robert, made a lot of money by supplying Oliver Cromwell's army. Young Robert Molesworth followed in his father's footsteps by supporting William of Orange. This support led to him becoming William's ambassador to Denmark.
In 1695, he became a key member of the Privy Council of Ireland. This council advised the ruler on important matters. In the same year, he was elected to the Irish House of Commons for County Dublin. He held this seat until 1703. After that, he represented Swords until 1715. The next year, he was given the title Viscount Molesworth, which made him a noble in Ireland.
Molesworth also wrote a book called An Account of Denmark, as it was in the Year 1692. This book was very important in the early study of political science. He believed that comparing different countries' political situations was like a doctor comparing illnesses in different people. He thought this was the best way to understand and fix problems.
Contents
Early Life and Political Career
Robert Molesworth was born on September 7, 1656. His father passed away just four days before he was born. His mother, Judith Bysse, later remarried. Robert was likely raised by his mother's family at Brackenstown, near Swords, County Dublin.
In 1720, Molesworth and his grandson lost a lot of money in a financial crisis called the South Sea Bubble. This was a time when many people invested in a company that promised huge profits, but the company failed. When his fellow politicians said there was no law to punish those responsible, Molesworth spoke out strongly. He compared the situation to a very serious crime and demanded that the people who caused the crisis be punished severely. He called them "parricides of their country," meaning they had harmed their nation like someone harming their own parent.
Molesworth's Family Life
Robert Molesworth married Hon. Letitia Coote. She was the daughter of Richard Coote, 1st Baron Coote. Together, Robert and Letitia had many children. They had eleven sons and six daughters.
Some of their notable children include:
- John Molesworth, who became the 2nd Viscount Molesworth after his father. He worked as an ambassador.
- Richard Molesworth, 3rd Viscount Molesworth, who became a famous military leader. He was an aide to the Duke of Marlborough and even saved the Duke's life in battle. He rose to the highest military rank of Field Marshal.
The Molesworth family continued to be important. For example, one of Robert Molesworth's direct descendants was Sir Guilford Lindsey Molesworth, who lived until 1925. Another direct descendant is Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, a member of the British Royal Family.
Later Years and Passing
The 1st Viscount Molesworth passed away in Dublin on May 22, 1725, when he was sixty-nine years old. He was buried in Swords. His wife, Letitia, died a few years later in 1729.
Their oldest son, John, took over his father's title and became the 2nd Viscount Molesworth. However, John passed away a year later. So, his younger brother, Richard, then became the 3rd Viscount in 1726.
Family Coat of Arms
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The Molesworth family has a special design called a coat of arms. It shows symbols that represent their family history and values. Their motto, "Vincit Amor Patriae," means "The love of my country prevails."
Sources
- 29 Molesworth Street on turtlebunbury.com
- Thompson, Martyn P. "A Note on "Reason" and "History" in Late Seventeenth Century Political Thought." Political Theory, Vol. 4, No. 4. (1976), 491–504.
