Sir Edward Crofton, 2nd Baronet (died 1729) facts for kids

Sir Edward Crofton, 2nd Baronet (born around 1662 – died 24 November 1729) was an important Irish landowner and politician. He served in the Irish House of Commons for over 30 years. He was also briefly a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, which was a group of advisors to the King or Queen.

Sir Edward Crofton's Family History

Edward was born at Mote Park, near Roscommon town in Ireland. He was the only son of Sir Edward Crofton, 1st Baronet, and his second wife, Susanna Clifford. The Crofton family came to Ireland from England in the 1500s. They gained a lot of land in Roscommon.

Edward's father, the first Sir Edward, was very loyal to the Stuart dynasty (the royal family) during the English Civil War. When King Charles II returned to power, he rewarded Edward's father. He made him a baronet, which is a special title of honour. This was the start of the Crofton Baronets family line.

Edward's Stepfather

After Edward's father died in 1675, his mother remarried. She married Garrett Dillon, who was a Roman Catholic lawyer. During the reign of the Catholic King James II of England, Garrett Dillon became very powerful. He was even appointed Recorder of Dublin, a high legal position.

However, Edward and his stepfather, Garrett, did not get along well by 1688. They were on opposite sides during a big event called the Glorious Revolution. Edward's mother died before 1689, which further broke the family connection between them.

The Glorious Revolution and Its Impact

When King James II came to Ireland to try and get his kingdoms back, Edward's stepfather, Garrett Dillon, stayed loyal to him. Garrett was part of a special meeting of Parliament in 1689, sometimes called the "Patriot Parliament."

Edward, however, was a strong supporter of the Glorious Revolution of 1688. He really admired King William III of England. He even wrote poems praising the King! Because of his support for King William, the Patriot Parliament declared him "attainted." This meant he lost his rights and property. So, Edward had to escape to London with his wife and two young sons. Sadly, his wife died while they were in England.

After the Battle of the Boyne

After the Battle of the Boyne, King William's side won. This greatly weakened the cause of King James II, known as Jacobitism. Edward's lands were quickly given back to him.

In contrast, his stepfather, Garrett Dillon, faced many problems in the 1690s. He eventually had to leave Ireland and died in France. It seems Edward did not try to help his stepfather. In fact, he probably wanted revenge because Garrett had voted to take away his lands in the Patriot Parliament.

Edward's Political Career

Edward became a Member of Parliament (MP) for Boyle from 1695 to 1699. He then served as an MP for Roscommon from 1703 to 1727. He was also a member of the Privy Council from 1713 to 1714. Sir Edward Crofton passed away in 1729.

Sir Edward Crofton's Children

In 1685, Edward married Katherine St George. She was the daughter of Sir Oliver St George, 1st Baronet. Katherine died around 1689 or 1690. They had two sons:

• Sir Edward Crofton, who became the 3rd Baronet.
• Oliver, who joined the army. He died during a military trip to Quebec in 1711. Oliver was the father of:
  • Sir Oliver Crofton, who became the 5th Baronet.

The direct male line of Edward's family ended when the 5th Baronet died in 1780. However, the Crofton baronets continued through Edward's granddaughter, Catherine Crofton. She was the daughter of the 3rd Baronet. Catherine married Sir Marcus Lowther-Crofton, 1st Baronet. Their descendants later received the title Baron Crofton.