Thomas Knox, 1st Viscount Northland facts for kids
Thomas Knox was an important Irish politician who lived a long time ago. He was born on April 20, 1729, and passed away on November 5, 1818. For a while, he was known as Lord Welles before he became Viscount Northland.
Early Life and Family Background
Thomas Knox's parents were Thomas Knox and Hester Echlin. He lived to be 89 years old.
Thomas Knox's Political Journey
Thomas Knox started his political journey in 1755. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for a place called Dungannon. An MP is someone chosen to represent people in a country's government. He worked in the Irish House of Commons, which was like the main meeting place for politicians in Ireland back then. He served there until 1781.
In 1781, he was given a special title called Baron Welles. This made him part of the Peerage of Ireland, which is a group of people with high social ranks and titles. His title was "Baron Welles, of Dungannon in the County of Tyrone."
Later, in 1791, Thomas Knox received an even higher title: Viscount Northland. This title was also connected to Dungannon in County Tyrone.
A big change happened in 1800 with the Act of Union. This act joined the governments of Great Britain and Ireland. Because of this, the Irish Parliament closed down. Thomas Knox then became one of the first 28 Irish Representative Peers. These peers were chosen to represent Ireland in the British House of Lords in London. He served there until he passed away. Around that time, he was also given the job of Custos Rotulorum of Tyrone, which meant he was the chief keeper of the county's records.
Thomas Knox's Family Life
In 1753, Thomas Knox married Anne Vesey. Her father was John Vesey, 1st Baron Knapton. Thomas and Anne had seven children together:
- Thomas Knox, 1st Earl of Ranfurly (1754–1840)
- Maj.-Gen. John Knox (1758–1800)
- Vesey Knox (1760–1830)
- William Knox (1762–1831), who became the Bishop of Derry
- George Knox (1765–1827), who was also an MP for Dublin University
- Charles Knox (1770–1825), who became the Archdeacon of Armagh
- Edmund Knox (1772–1849), who became the Bishop of Limerick
