Robert Saunders (Irish lawyer) facts for kids

Robert Saunders (around 1650–1708) was an important person in Ireland. He owned land, worked as a lawyer (called a barrister), and was a politician. He was a member of the Irish House of Commons, which was like a parliament, representing the area of Cavan. He also held a very high legal job called the Prime Serjeant-at-law. Interestingly, his youngest son, Morley Saunders, later held the same important job. Robert Saunders also helped start the village of Swanlinbar in County Cavan. Part of the village's name is even linked to his name!

Early Life and Family

Robert Saunders was probably born in County Wexford, Ireland. He was the second son of Colonel Robert Saunders and his wife, Sarah Fitzherbert. His father came to Ireland around the time Robert was born. He arrived with Oliver Cromwell, a famous English leader. Robert's father later became the Governor of Kinsale, an important town. He also received a large amount of land in Wexford. Even though his father had ties to Cromwell, he supported King Charles II when he returned to power. This allowed him to keep his lands.

A Career in Law and Politics

Robert Saunders became a member of the Irish House of Commons in 1692. He represented the area of Cavan and kept this job until he passed away. He also became a lawyer in Ireland. From 1703 to 1708, he held the high legal position of Prime Serjeant. This role meant he was a chief lawyer for the Crown. In 1703, he even served as an extra judge for legal hearings called assizes. He was also listed as one of the trustees for the King's Inns in 1706. The King's Inns is a place where lawyers are trained.

Land and Legal Challenges

In 1682, Robert Saunders bought a lot of land in County Laois. These lands included Tankardstown, Ballyleheane, and Clonpierce. He bought them from the Hoveden family, who were Roman Catholic. During a time of political trouble between 1688 and 1690, the Hoveden family briefly got their lands back. They said they had lost them unfairly because of their religion. However, Robert Saunders got the lands back by 1691. This situation led to many legal arguments between the Saunders, Hoveden, and Anglesey families. These arguments continued for a very long time, even into the 1800s. Robert Saunders wrote his will on March 8, 1707.

Robert's Children

Robert Saunders had one daughter, who married a man named Benjamin Fish. He also had three sons: Robert, Joseph, and Morley. Robert, his eldest son, died before 1732. Joseph died in 1713. Morley, his youngest son, died in 1737. We don't know much about Robert's wife. However, her family name might have been Morley, as this name became common for boys in the Saunders family.

Robert's third son, Morley, followed in his father's footsteps. He also became a lawyer and a member of the Irish House of Commons. Morley even became Prime Serjeant, just like his father. Morley inherited the family's property from his brother Joseph in 1713. He is best known for building a grand family home called Saunders Grove. This home is located near Baltinglass in County Wicklow.

Business Ventures

Jonathan Swift, a famous writer, once said that Robert Saunders lost money by investing in an ironworks in Swanlinbar. This was the same village Robert helped to start. Swift's uncle, Godwin Swift, also lost money in the same way. However, it seems Robert's losses were only temporary. His sons inherited a comfortable amount of property and money. In his final will, Robert left all his property in Swanlinbar to his son Morley.