Robert Plunkett, 5th Baron of Dunsany facts for kids

Robert Plunkett, 5th Baron Dunsany (died 1559), was an important nobleman in Ireland during the Tudor period. This was a time when the Tudor family ruled England and Ireland. Robert came from an Anglo-Irish family, meaning they had English roots but lived in Ireland for a long time. He held the title of Baron Dunsany, which was a special rank passed down through his family.

Early Life and Family Background

Robert Plunkett was the only son of Edward Plunkett, who was the 4th Baron of Dunsany. His mother was Amy de Bermingham. She passed away in 1500, which suggests Robert was born in the late 1490s. He became the 5th Baron Dunsany in 1521. This happened after his father was killed while helping the Earl of Surrey. The Earl was the King's main representative in Ireland, called the Lord Lieutenant. They were working to stop a rebellion by the O'Connor and O'Carroll families.

Family Life and Marriages

Robert Plunkett had a large family. He married Eleanor Darcy first. She was the daughter of Sir William Darcy of Platten. Robert and Eleanor had many children, at least thirteen! Most of them grew up to be adults.

Some of their children included:

• Christopher, who later became the 6th Baron Dunsany.
• Gerald, who married Catherine Eustace.
• Ellen, who married Matthew Begg.
• Elizabeth, who married Sir Walter FitzGerald.

After Eleanor passed away, Robert married Jenet Sarsfield. She was a woman who had been married twice before. Robert and Jenet were married for about two years before he died in 1559. They had two sons, but they sadly died when they were very young. Even though their marriage was short, Jenet was very proud of being a baroness. She married three more times after Robert, even to knights. However, she still preferred to be known as Lady Dunsany later in her life. She was even buried under that title in a special tomb she designed herself.

Robert's Role in Irish Politics

Robert Plunkett's life was full of important events in Ireland. During a big rebellion led by someone called Silken Thomas, Robert faced some trouble. His daughter Elizabeth was married to Thomas's uncle, Walter FitzGerald. Because of this connection, people suspected Robert of being involved in the rebellion.

In 1535, some of his enemies told the King that Robert was a leader in the rebellion. They wanted him to lose his title and lands. However, King Henry VIII had already punished many members of the FitzGerald family, including Robert's son-in-law Walter. The King decided to be kind to other nobles in the Pale. The Pale was the area around Dublin that was controlled by the English. So, Robert Plunkett was not punished and kept his title.

Later, Robert showed that he had regained the King's trust. He took his place in the Irish House of Lords in 1541. This was a part of the Irish Parliament where important nobles met. In 1549, he helped confirm the election of Sir Francis Bryan as the Governor of Ireland. In 1557, he went with the Lord Deputy, Sussex, on a trip to fight against the McDonnells in Ulster. Robert Plunkett died in 1559, and his second son, Christopher, became the next Baron Dunsany.