Sir James Shaen, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir James Shaen, 1st Baronet (born around 1629 – died December 13, 1695), was an important Anglo-Irish politician. He was a powerful official in the government of Ireland, based at Dublin Castle, during the 1670s.

Early Life and First Jobs

James Shaen was the oldest son of Patrick Shaen. In 1650, he married Frances FitzGerald, whose father was a powerful noble, the 16th Earl of Kildare.

After the Cromwellian conquest (a time when England took control of Ireland), James Shaen got a job in 1654. He helped decide where land would go in Connacht and County Clare. This land was for Irish people who had to move from their homes because they didn't support the English leader, Oliver Cromwell.

Shaen also became a High Sheriff for two areas, Longford and Westmeath. A High Sheriff was like a chief law enforcement officer for a county. In 1656, he led a group of soldiers on horseback in Ulster.

Working in Dublin Castle

Even though James Shaen had worked for the Cromwellian government, he got new important jobs after the king returned to power in 1660. This event was called the Stuart Restoration.

In October 1660, he became a tax collector and receiver general for Leinster for his whole life. He was made a knight in December 1660. In 1661, he became the registrar (a record keeper) for a special court that dealt with land claims. Later that year, he became a secretary to the Lords Justices of Ireland, who were like temporary governors of Ireland.

Shaen's Time in Parliament

From 1661 to 1666, Shaen was a Member of Parliament for Clonmel in the Irish House of Commons. This meant he helped make laws for Ireland.

In 1662, a powerful leader named the Duke of Ormond sent Shaen to London. His mission was to ask King Charles II for a large sum of money, £60,000. The mission didn't work, but Shaen then offered to help the king get a loan instead.

Becoming a Baronet and Royal Society Member

On February 7, 1663, King Charles II made him a baronet. This was a special title, making him "Sir James Shaen, 1st Baronet, of Kilmore." In May of the same year, he became one of the first members of the Royal Society. This is a very old and famous group in England for scientists and thinkers. In 1667, he was made the Surveyor General of Ireland for life, meaning he was in charge of surveying and mapping land.

Challenges with Irish Taxes

In the 1670s, Shaen worked on new ideas for how to collect taxes in Ireland. He worked with another official, John Berkeley.

From 1677 to 1679, Shaen had a big disagreement with the Earl of Ranelagh and the Earl of Danby. They were fighting over who would control the money collected from taxes in Ireland. Ranelagh criticized Shaen's tax ideas, and the Duke of Ormond thought Shaen might be dishonest.

One of Shaen's tax plans failed in 1682. This failure, along with problems in his accounts, basically ended the tax system he had created. After this, he was not as active in public life. He did not take part in the Williamite War in Ireland, a major conflict. However, he did represent Baltinglass in the Irish Parliament from 1692 to 1695.

Death and Family

Sir James Shaen died on December 13, 1695. His only child, Arthur, inherited his large land holdings and his baronet title. Arthur also served in the Irish Parliament for Lismore until he died. When Arthur died, the baronet title ended because he had no children to pass it on to.