Sir Henry Tichborne facts for kids

Sir Henry Tichborne (1581–1667) was an English soldier and politician. He was a member of the Privy Council in Ireland, which was a group of advisors to the King. He became famous for defending the town of Drogheda during the Irish Rebellion of 1641. From 1642 to 1644, he helped govern Ireland as one of the two Lord Justices. Later, he fought in the Battle of Dungan's Hill against the Irish Catholic Confederates. After the wars, he received the Beaulieu Manor estate.

Early Life and Career

Henry Tichborne was born in England in 1581. He was the fourth son of Benjamin Tichborne, who later became the first Baronet of Tichborne. Like many younger sons from landowning families, Henry chose a career in the military.

He served as a soldier in the north of Ireland. This was a time when the Plantation of Ulster was happening, meaning English and Scottish settlers were moving to Ireland. Around 1620, he became the governor of Lifford in County Donegal. King James I knighted him in England in 1623.

In December 1623, Sir Henry was made a Commissioner for the Plantation of County Londonderry. He received large areas of land in counties Leitrim and Donegal. These lands had been taken from Irish landowners. He was also elected to the Irish Parliament in 1634, representing Tyrone County.

Irish Wars and Conflicts

Ireland experienced 11 years of war from 1641 to 1652. These wars included the Irish Rebellion of 1641, the Irish Confederate Wars, and the Cromwellian Conquest of Ireland. These events were part of a larger conflict known as the Wars of the three kingdoms, or the British Civil Wars.

Defending Drogheda

When the Irish Rebellion of 1641 began, Sir Henry Tichborne was living near Dublin. He moved his family to Dublin for safety. The King's government quickly asked him to help defend the town of Drogheda. He managed to hold the town for the King, even though many people in Drogheda supported the rebels.

Sir Henry showed great bravery and determination. He refused to give up, even when things looked very bad. When his soldiers had to eat their own horses, he famously said he would "stay till the last bit of horseflesh was eaten, then fight his way out." Despite many attacks from the rebels, he held out from November 1641 until March 1642. The rebels finally gave up the siege. This was very good news for the English after many difficult months.

After the siege, he received more soldiers and joined forces with Charles Moore. They worked together to stop the rebels from taking back control of the Pale, an area around Dublin. Tichborne and Moore marched to Dundalk and captured it in March 1642. Sir Henry then became the governor of Dundalk.

After the Siege

His successful defense of Drogheda made him very important politically. In May 1642, he joined the Privy Council. In March 1643, King Charles I appointed him as a Lord Justice of Ireland, sharing the role with Sir John Borlase. He held this important position until January 1644.

A famous historian named Clarendon said that Sir Henry was so well-respected that even the King's enemies had nothing bad to say about his appointment. Sir Henry did not agree with a cease-fire (a temporary stop to fighting) that was made with the Irish Confederates in September 1643.

In 1644, he traveled to England to advise the King. However, he was captured by Parliament's forces on his way back. He spent several months in the Tower of London until he was exchanged for another prisoner.

Joining the English Parliament

Sir Henry returned to Ireland in late 1645 and became Governor of Drogheda again. He soon realized that the King's supporters could not win in Ireland. The main fight was between the Irish Confederacy and the English Parliament. Sir Henry, who had already fought against the Confederates, decided to join Parliament's side.

Even though Parliament was a bit suspicious of him at first, he proved his loyalty. He fought bravely at the Battle of Dungan's Hill in April 1647. In this battle, Michael Jones defeated the Confederate army. Sir Henry was greatly rewarded for his service. He also gained a reputation for being very tough on his Irish opponents.

In 1650, he met with Oliver Cromwell, a powerful leader in England. Cromwell promised him the estate of Beaulieu. This estate had been taken from Christopher Plunket. Sir Henry eventually received this land, though it was difficult to get. His letter to his wife in 1651 is a valuable account of the Siege of Drogheda and his later military actions.

Later Life and Restoration

From 1650, Sir Henry lived quietly until Charles II became King again. His decision to join Parliament was not held against him, as many people had done similar things. In July 1660, Sir Henry was made marshal of the army in Ireland for life.

In 1661, he was elected to the Irish House of Commons as a member for Sligo Borough. In 1666, he was finally confirmed as the owner of the Beaulieu estate in County Louth. This was the land Cromwell had promised him. He started building a large house there, called Beaulieu House, which still stands today.

Sir Henry was a very wealthy man. He became ill in late 1666 and died at Beaulieu in early 1667. He was buried in St Mary's Church in Drogheda.

Family Life

Sir Henry married Jane, the daughter of Sir Robert Newcomen. They had eight children together: five sons and three daughters.

Their children were:

• Benjamin, who died young in the war.
• William, who later married Judith Bysse. Their son, Henry, became the first and last Baron Ferrard.
• Richard, who was a major in the army and never married.
• Henry, who also never married.
• Samuel, who died when he was young.

Their daughters were:

• Dorcas, who married William Toxteth.
• Amphilis, who married Richard Broughton.
• Elizabeth, who married Roger West.

Sir Henry and Jane are buried together at Beaulieu.

Images for kids

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  Beaulieu House