Roger McElligott facts for kids

Colonel Roger McElligott was an Irish soldier and politician who lived a long time ago. He was a supporter of King James II, who was trying to keep his throne.

A Brave Soldier for King James

Roger McElligott was a colonel, which means he was a high-ranking officer in the army. He gathered a group of soldiers, called a regiment, in County Kerry, Ireland. This group of soldiers was in England at a place called Hampton Court in 1688. Later that same year, Colonel McElligott and his soldiers returned to Ireland.

A Role in Parliament

Around this time, there was a big change in England called the Glorious Revolution. This was when King James II lost his power. Even so, Colonel McElligott became a Member of Parliament for a place called Ardfert. A Member of Parliament is someone who helps make laws for the country. He was part of a special meeting of lawmakers called the Patriot Parliament, which King James called in 1689.

Leading Cork City

In 1690, Colonel McElligott was chosen to be the Governor of Cork. A governor is like the leader of a city. However, the city of Cork was surrounded by an opposing army, led by forces loyal to the new king, William. This was called the Siege of Cork. After the siege, Colonel McElligott had to surrender the city to these forces.

Life After the War

After Cork was surrendered, Colonel McElligott was taken as a prisoner. He was held in the famous Tower of London until June 1697. Once he was set free, he immediately traveled to France. In France, he became a colonel in the Irish Brigade. This was a group of Irish soldiers who fought for the French army. His regiment was part of an important battle called the Siege of Barcelona between 1713 and 1714. We don't know exactly when or where Colonel McElligott died, but it's thought he stayed in the French army for the rest of his life.