Sir Thomas Prendergast, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brigadier-General
Sir Thomas Prendergast, Bt
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| Member of Parliament for Monaghan Borough | |
| In office 1703–1710 Serving with Sir Richard Vernon, 3rd Bt
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| Preceded by | Charles Dering Robert Echlin |
| Succeeded by | Sir Alexander Cairnes, 1st Bt Sir Richard Vernon, 3rd Bt |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Prendergast
c. 1660 Croane, County Limerick |
| Died | 11 September 1709 (aged 48–49) Malplaquet, Artois, France |
| Spouse |
Penelope Cadogan
(m. 1697) |
| Relations | John Prendergast-Smyth, 1st Viscount Gort (grandson) |
| Children | Sir Thomas Prendergast, 2nd Baronet |
| Parents | Thomas Prendergast Eleanor Condon |
| Military service | |
| Rank | Brigadier-General |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Oudenarde Battle of Malplaquet |
Brigadier-General Sir Thomas Prendergast, 1st Baronet (around 1660 – 11 September 1709) was an important Irish politician and soldier. He is remembered for helping to prevent a plot against the King and for his military service.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Thomas Prendergast was born around 1660 in Croane, County Limerick, Ireland. His father, also named Thomas Prendergast, was a small landowner. His mother was Eleanor Condon.
His family faced many difficulties during the time of Oliver Cromwell. Because of this, Thomas is believed to have grown up in poverty. Despite these challenges, his friends thought he was a very honorable and capable person.
A Royal Plot Revealed
Sir Thomas Prendergast became famous for helping King William III. In 1696, there was a secret plan to assassinate the King. This plot was known as the Jacobite plot.
A man named Sir George Barclay planned to ambush the King's coach. Thomas Prendergast learned about this dangerous plan. On February 14, 1696, he went to Whitehall and told the Earl of Portland about the conspiracy.
Another person had already reported the plot. However, the King trusted Prendergast's account the most. Because of Prendergast's information, the King's guards were sent out. Many of the people involved in the plot were arrested.
Rewards and Public Service
For his loyalty and help, Thomas Prendergast received a special reward. He was given a grant of money from the Treasury. He also received the Gort Estate in County Galway. This land had been taken from the O'Shaughnessy family.
This reward, along with his marriage, helped his family become more wealthy. However, the O'Shaughnessy family fought for their land for many years.
In 1703, Thomas Prendergast became a Member of Parliament for Monaghan Borough. This meant he helped make laws for Ireland.
Military Career and Death
Thomas Prendergast also had a successful military career. He rose to the rank of Brigadier-General. He fought in important battles during his time.
He took part in the Battle of Oudenarde in 1708. Sadly, he was killed in action at the Battle of Malplaquet on September 11, 1709. He died while bravely leading his regiment against French troops.
It is interesting to note that William O'Shaughnessy, from the family whose land Prendergast received, also fought in these same battles.
Family Life
On August 10, 1697, Thomas Prendergast married Penelope Cadogan. She was the sister of William Cadogan, 1st Earl Cadogan.
Together, they had one son and three daughters:
- Sir Thomas Prendergast, 2nd Baronet (1702–1760): He inherited his father's title.
- Elizabeth Prendergast: She married twice and was the mother of John Prendergast-Smyth, 1st Viscount Gort.
- Anne Prendergast: She married Samuel Hobson.
- Juliana Prendergast (died 1758): She married Chaworth Brabazon, 6th Earl of Meath.
After Sir Thomas Prendergast died, his son, Sir Thomas Prendergast, 2nd Baronet, became the next Baronet. His wife, Penelope, faced many legal challenges in her later years.
