Somerset Maxwell, 10th Baron Farnham facts for kids

Somerset Henry Maxwell (born March 7, 1849 – died November 22, 1900) was an important person in Ireland. He held the title of the 10th Baron Farnham. A "Baron" is a noble title, like a lord. He was also an "Irish Representative Peer," which meant he was chosen to represent Irish nobles in the British Parliament. He was also a "Nova Scotia baronet," another type of noble title.

Early Life and Family

Somerset Henry Maxwell was born into an important family. His father was Richard Thomas Maxwell. His grandfather was Henry Maxwell, who was the 6th Baron Farnham.

In 1875, he married Lady Florence Jane Taylour. Her father was Thomas Taylour, the 3rd Marquess of Headfort.

Military Service

Somerset Henry Maxwell also had a military career. He was a Captain and an Honorary Major. He served in the 4th Battalion of the Princess Victoria's Royal Irish Fusiliers. Before that, he was a Lieutenant in the 98th Regiment.

Helping Captain Boycott

In November 1880, something interesting happened that involved Somerset Henry Maxwell. A man named Captain Charles Boycott was having trouble. People in his local community were refusing to work for him or trade with him. This made it very hard for him to live and work.

Somerset Henry Maxwell led a group of people to help Captain Boycott. They traveled to County Mayo to help harvest his crops. This event was so famous that the word "boycott" became a new word in the English language. It means to stop dealing with someone as a protest.

This situation also led to the creation of the Property Defence Association. This group was formed to help protect landowners and their businesses.

Becoming Baron Farnham

Somerset Henry Maxwell became the 10th Baron Farnham in 1896. This happened after his uncle, James Maxwell, the 9th Baron Farnham, passed away. He also became the 13th Baronet of Calderwood.

Public Service and Legacy

Somerset Henry Maxwell held several important public roles. In 1877, he was appointed the High Sheriff of Cavan. This was a key local law enforcement position. In 1900, he became the Lord Lieutenant of Cavan. This was a representative of the King or Queen in the county.

Sadly, he passed away soon after, on November 22, 1900.

In his will, Lord Farnham made some special gifts. He left items from the museum at Farnham to the Royal Dublin Society. This society promotes science and art. He also left his large astronomical telescope. He wanted it to be used to help people study space and astronomy.

After his death, his son Arthur Maxwell became the 11th Baron Farnham. His oldest son, Barry Maxwell, had unfortunately died earlier in a cycling accident.