Sir Robert Talbot, 2nd Baronet facts for kids
Sir Robert Talbot, 2nd Baronet (born 1608 – died after 1670) was an important Irish landowner, soldier, and politician. He held the title of Baronet and was a member of the Irish Parliament, representing County Wicklow from 1634 to 1635.
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Who Was Sir Robert Talbot?
Sir Robert Talbot was a significant figure in 17th-century Ireland. He was a Baronet, which is a special title of honor that is passed down through families. He owned a lot of land and was involved in both military and political life during a very turbulent time in Irish history.
His Family and Early Life
Robert Talbot was born in 1608. His father was William Talbot, who was the first Baronet of Carton in County Kildare. His mother was Alison Netterville. The Talbot family was part of the "Old English" community in Ireland, meaning they were descendants of English people who had settled in Ireland centuries before.
Robert was one of 16 children! Two of his younger brothers became very famous. One was Peter Talbot, who became a Catholic Archbishop in Dublin. The other was Richard Talbot, a soldier who later became a powerful leader in Ireland under King James II.
Like many "Old English" families, the Talbots and Nettervilles remained Roman Catholics even after the Reformation, when many people in England and Ireland became Protestant.
Robert Talbot married Grace Calvert. Her father was George Calvert, 1st Baron Baltimore, a very important English Catholic who founded the Maryland Colony in America. Robert and Grace had at least one daughter, Frances, who later married her cousin, Richard Talbot of Malahide. Robert and Grace lived in a place called Castlesallagh in County Wicklow.
Becoming a Baronet
When his father, William Talbot, died on March 16, 1634, Robert inherited his title. He became the 2nd Baronet Talbot of Carton.
His Time in Parliament
On June 10, 1634, Robert Talbot was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for County Wicklow. He served in the Irish Parliament from 1634 to 1635. However, his time in Parliament was short. He was removed because he was seen as disrespectful to Thomas Wentworth, who was the King's main representative in Ireland, known as the Lord Deputy.
A Time of War in Ireland
Ireland faced a major conflict called the Irish Rebellion of 1641. Robert Talbot joined the Irish Catholic Confederates, a group of Irish Catholics who fought for their rights and religion. He was an important member of their main council. He also served as an officer in the Leinster Army, which was one of the Confederate armies.
Later, during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland, English forces invaded Ireland. In July 1651, Robert Talbot had to surrender the town of Athlone to the English army. Because he fought against the English, his lands were taken away. However, after the war, a law called the Act of Settlement 1662 allowed him to get most of his lands back.
Later Life and Legacy
Sir Robert Talbot died sometime after 1670, possibly in 1671. After his death, his nephew, William Talbot, became the 3rd Baronet. William was the last person to hold the title of Baronet of Carton.
