Thomas Conolly (1738–1803) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Conolly
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| Member of the Parliament of Ireland | |
| In office 1761–1800 |
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| Member of the Parliament of Great Britain | |
| In office 1759–1780 |
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| Personal details | |
| Died | 27 April 1803 |
| Spouse | Lady Louisa Conolly |
Thomas Conolly (born in Leixlip Castle in 1738 – died 27 April 1803 in Celbridge) was an important Irish landowner. He was also a Member of Parliament, which means he was elected to help make laws for the country.
Contents
Early Life
Thomas Conolly was born in 1738. His father was William James Conolly, who owned Castletown House in County Kildare, Ireland. His mother was Lady Anne Wentworth.
In 1758, Thomas married Lady Louisa Lennox. She was the daughter of the Duke of Richmond. Thomas and Louisa did not have any children together.
Political Career
Thomas Conolly was a Member of Parliament (MP) in two different countries. From 1759 to 1780, he was an MP in the Parliament of Great Britain. He represented areas like Malmesbury and Chichester.
In 1761, he also became an MP in the Parliament of Ireland. He represented County Londonderry until 1800. Being an MP meant he helped make decisions for the country. On April 6, 1761, he was asked to join the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of important advisors to the ruler.
Conolly's Properties
Thomas Conolly owned several large and important properties.
Wentworth Castle
In 1802, Thomas Conolly inherited Wentworth Castle. This large estate was left to him by a relative, Augusta Anne Hatfield-Kaye. After Thomas Conolly passed away, Wentworth Castle was inherited by another family member, Frederick Thomas William Vernon.
Castletown House
Castletown House was the main family home in Ireland. After Thomas Conolly died, his wife, Lady Louisa, took care of it. Later, it passed to other family members. The house was eventually sold in 1965.
Cliff House
The Conolly family also had a summer home called 'Cliff House'. It was located by the River Erne in Ireland. This house was later taken down to make way for a power station. The Cliff hydroelectric power station was built on the site of 'Cliff House' and started working in 1950.
London Home
Thomas Conolly also had a large house in London at 5, St James's Square. This house was built by his uncle. After Thomas Conolly's death, the London house went to his nephew, George Byng.
