Sir Richard Kennedy, 2nd Baronet facts for kids

Sir Richard Kennedy, 2nd Baronet (around 1615–1685) was an important person in Ireland's history. He was a judge and a landowner. He held the position of second Baron of the Court of Exchequer (Ireland), which was a high court.

Sir Richard was the second person to hold the title of Baronet of Newtownmountkennedy. His family gave their name to the village of Newtownmountkennedy in County Wicklow. It was quite special for a judge at that time to be of Gaelic (Irish) background, and Sir Richard was one of them.

Early Life and Family Background

Richard Kennedy was the son of Sir Robert Kennedy, who was the 1st Baronet. His mother was Constance, the oldest daughter of Jonas Sillyard. Sir Robert, his father, owned land and also worked for the Court of Exchequer. His mother's family was well-known in Dublin's local government.

Sir Robert was a member of the Irish House of Commons for Kildare Borough. He was known for disagreeing with Thomas Wentworth, 1st Earl of Strafford, who was the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and very powerful in the 1630s. The Kennedy family were successful merchants from Dublin. Sir Robert's brother, Walter Kennedy, was a rich and important Alderman in Lucan. The two brothers later had disagreements because of their different religious beliefs.

Starting a Career in Law

Richard Kennedy began his legal studies at Lincoln's Inn in 1638. He became a lawyer in England around 1645. Later, in 1657, he joined King's Inn in Ireland.

In 1647, he was chosen to be a member of the Irish House of Commons for Mullingar. He served there until 1649. During this time, he built a very successful career as a lawyer.

One of his most famous cases was defending Sir Phelim O'Neill in 1652. O'Neill faced serious charges against the government. Even though Kennedy was a skilled lawyer, O'Neill was found guilty and faced severe consequences. This outcome did not reflect on Kennedy's legal ability, as it was very difficult to win such a case against the government at that time.

Becoming a Judge

When King Charles II returned to power in 1660, a period known as the Restoration of Charles II, Richard Kennedy was considered for a high legal position. He was knighted, which meant he received the title "Sir." Instead of becoming the Recorder of Dublin, he was appointed as the second Baron of the Exchequer.

It was a bit surprising to appoint an Irish-born judge of Gaelic background, as the Crown usually preferred English judges. However, James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde, who was the Lord Lieutenant, supported Irish judges who were Protestants and had shown loyalty to the King. Richard Kennedy met both these requirements.

His initial salary as a judge was £200 per year. In 1662, the salaries of several Irish High Court judges were increased to £300. King Charles II personally wrote a letter in October 1662, saying that Kennedy should also receive this increase. This showed that the King valued his hard work.

Life as a Judge and Later Years

As a judge, Sir Richard Kennedy often traveled to Ulster to hold court sessions, known as assizes. He was quite strict with people who had different religious beliefs, especially the Quakers. In 1665, he tried to become the Chief Justice of Common Pleas, but he was not successful.

In the same year, his father was made a baronet. Three years later, Richard inherited the title, becoming the 2nd Baronet. He mostly lived at Newtownmountkennedy. Around 1670, he built an impressive house there, which was unfortunately destroyed around 1690. He also had homes in Ballydowd, near Lucan, and on Nicholas Street in Dublin city.

Sir Richard's health began to decline in 1680. He retired from his judicial role the following year and passed away in 1685.

Family Life

Sir Richard Kennedy married Anne Barker. She was from Colnbrook, Berkshire, in England. Her father, Christopher Barker, was the grandson of Christopher Barker, who was a Royal Printer to Queen Elizabeth I. Anne's mother was Sarah Norton, whose father, Bonham Norton, was also a Royal Printer.

Sir Richard and Anne had one son:

• Sir Robert Kennedy, who became the 3rd Baronet.