Simon Luttrell (Irish MP) facts for kids
Simon Luttrell (born 1643 – died 28 October 1698) was an Irish Jacobite politician and soldier. He was known for supporting King James II of England during a time of big changes in Ireland and Britain.
Who Was Simon Luttrell?
Simon Luttrell was the oldest son of Thomas Luttrell and Barbara Sedgrave. His younger brother was Henry Luttrell. Like his brother, Simon spent a lot of his early life in France. He even visited the French royal court at the Palace of Versailles.
Early Life and Family
When Simon came back to Ireland in 1672, he married Catherine. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Newcomen, 5th Baronet. In 1674, Simon took over his father's large land holdings in County Dublin.
Serving King James II
In 1687, Simon Luttrell was given important jobs. He became the Lord Lieutenant of County Dublin. This meant he was the king's main representative in that area. He also joined the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of trusted advisors to the king. These appointments were made by the Earl of Tyrconnell.
Simon stayed loyal to King James II after the Glorious Revolution. This was a time when King James II lost his throne in England. In 1689, Simon was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for County Dublin. This was part of the Patriot Parliament, a special parliament held in Dublin. Simon was also made the military governor of Dublin.
As governor, he helped prepare Dublin's defences. He raised a group of 374 dragoons, who were soldiers on horseback. He also worked with Terence MacDermott to collect weapons from some citizens to help keep order in the city. Later, the new government, which supported King William, declared him "attainted." This meant he lost his rights and property because he was seen as a rebel.
Life After Defeat
After the first Siege of Limerick ended in 1690, Simon Luttrell went to France. He was part of a group that visited King James II at his court in Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye. They asked the king to remove Tyrconnell from his high position in Ireland.
Simon returned to Ireland on 28 October 1691. This was soon after the Jacobites lost the war. However, Simon refused the pardon offered to him under the Articles of Limerick. He chose to leave Ireland again and went back to France.
In France, he was given command of a group of soldiers in the Irish Brigade. This was a famous group of Irish soldiers serving in the French Royal Army. He fought under generals like Nicolas Catinat in Italy and Louis Joseph, Duke of Vendôme in Catalonia. These battles were part of the Nine Years' War. Simon Luttrell died in Crest, Drôme, France, in 1698. His lands in Ireland, which had been taken from him, were given to his younger brother, Henry.
