Theobald Dillon, 7th Viscount Dillon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Theobald Dillon
Viscount Dillon
Tenure	1682–1691
Predecessor	Lucas Dillon, 6th Viscount Dillon
Successor	Henry Dillon, 8th Viscount Dillon
Died	12 July 1691 Battle of Aughrim
Spouse(s)	Mary Talbot
Issue Detail	Robert, Henry, & Arthur
Father	Robert Dillon of Loughglynn
Mother	Rose Dillon

Theobald Dillon was the 7th Viscount Dillon, a noble title in Ireland. He lived in the 1600s and was a strong supporter of King James II. Theobald fought in a big conflict called the Williamite War in Ireland. Sadly, he died in battle in 1691. After his death, his family faced a challenge because his title and lands were taken away. But a few years later, his son, Henry, managed to get them back.

Early Life and Family

Theobald Dillon was likely born at Loughglynn, a family home in Ireland. His parents were Robert Dillon and Rose Dillon. His father, Captain Robert Dillon, was part of a well-known family that owned land. The Dillons of Loughglynn were a branch of the main Viscount Dillon family.

Theobald had one younger brother named Lucas, who never married. He also had three sisters:

• Alice (or Elizabeth), who married James Ferrall
• Jane, who married someone named Lally
• Mary, who married another Dillon family member

Marriage and Children

Theobald Dillon married Mary Talbot. Her father was Sir Henry Talbot, who owned land in County Dublin and County Roscommon. Theobald and Mary mostly lived at Kilmore, in County Roscommon.

Theobald and Mary had six sons and two daughters:

• Robert, who died before his father and never married
• Henry (died 1714), who became the 8th Viscount Dillon
• Arthur (1670–1733), who became a general in the French army
• Christopher, a captain in the Dillon regiment, who never married
• James, also in the Dillon regiment, who never married
• Lucas, also in the Dillon regiment, who never married
• Jane, who married Sir John Burke
• Bridget

A Leader in Troubled Times

In the 1680s, Theobald Dillon was a lieutenant-colonel in an Irish army regiment. This was a time of big changes in Ireland.

In 1682, Lucas Dillon, the 6th Viscount Dillon, passed away without any children. He was the last person from the main branch of the family. Theobald, who was a second cousin to Lucas, was the next male heir. This meant Theobald inherited the title and the family's lands, becoming the 7th Viscount Dillon.

When King James II was on the throne, Lord Dillon showed his strong support. In 1688, he raised two regiments (groups of soldiers) for King James II. One was led by his oldest son, Henry, and the other by his second son, Arthur. Both regiments fought in the Williamite war in Ireland. Arthur's regiment was later sent to France to join the Irish Brigade.

Lord Dillon was a Roman Catholic and a member of the Irish House of Lords in the Patriot Parliament of 1689. This was a special parliament called by King James II. On May 11, 1691, he was declared a rebel by the opposing side, which meant his titles and lands could be taken away.

Death and Family's Future

Lord Dillon was killed during the Battle of Aughrim on July 12, 1691. This was a very important battle in the Williamite War. His wife, Mary, also died accidentally a few months later during the Siege of Limerick.

Because Lord Dillon had been declared a rebel, his title and lands were taken away. However, in 1694, his son Henry worked hard and managed to get the family's title and lands back. Henry then became the 8th Viscount Dillon.

Timeline

Here are some important dates in Theobald Dillon's life: