Sir Hercules Langford, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir Hercules Langford (1626 – 1683) was an important person in Ireland during the 1600s. He was known as a baronet, which is a special title given by the king, making him part of the nobility. He was also a successful merchant and owned a lot of land.

Sir Hercules Langford: A Life in 17th Century Ireland

Sir Hercules Langford was born in 1626 and lived until 1683. He was part of the Anglo-Irish community, meaning his family had roots in both England and Ireland. He became well-known for his business dealings and for owning large estates.

Early Career and Public Service

Sir Hercules took on important roles in his community. In 1661, he was appointed the High Sheriff of Antrim. Later, in 1677, he became the High Sheriff of Meath. A High Sheriff was a very important local official, like a chief law enforcement officer for a county. They were in charge of keeping the peace, managing elections, and making sure court orders were followed.

On August 19, 1667, Sir Hercules was given the title of 1st Baronet of Kilmackevett in the Baronetage of Ireland. This was a special honor that could be passed down through his family.

A Man of Faith: The Presbyterian Connection

Sir Hercules Langford was a very devoted Presbyterian. This is a type of Christian faith that was, at times, not fully accepted by the government in Ireland during that period. Because of his strong beliefs, he faced some challenges.

For example, he was removed from a group called the Commission of the Peace in Meath. This happened after a political event where someone tried to take control of Dublin Castle, which was a key government building. Even though he lost this position, his home became a central place for Presbyterian worship. His family helped support a minister and a meeting-house, showing their dedication to their faith community.

Family and Legacy

Sir Hercules Langford married Mary Upton. Her father was Henry Upton, who lived in Castle Upton in County Antrim. Together, Sir Hercules and Mary had several children who also became important figures.

Their sons included Arthur Langford and Henry Langford. Both of these sons followed in their father's footsteps and became members of the Irish House of Commons, which was like the parliament of Ireland at the time. They also had another son named Theophilus Langford.

One of their daughters, Mary, married Sir John Rowley. Their children included Hercules Rowley, who also became a notable person in Irish history. The Langford family, through Sir Hercules, left a lasting mark on Irish society, politics, and religious life.