Thomas Mullins, 1st Baron Ventry facts for kids

Thomas Mullins, 1st Baron Ventry (born October 25, 1736 – died January 11, 1824) was an important politician and a noble person from Ireland. He was known for his work in government and for holding a special title called "Baron."

Early Life and Education

Thomas Mullins was the son of William Mullins and Mary Rowan. His family had lived in County Kerry, Ireland, for a long time. His great-grandfather moved there in 1666 and bought land near Dingle. This land was called Burnham.

Thomas Mullins went to Trinity College, Dublin, a famous university. He finished his studies there in 1754.

Public Service and New Home

In 1759, Thomas Mullins became the High Sheriff of Kerry. This was an important role, like being the chief law enforcement officer for the county. The next year, in 1760, he joined the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of advisors to the King or Queen.

In 1790, Mullins built a beautiful new home for his family. It was called Burnham Manor and had a great view of Dingle harbour.

The Dingle Protest

In 1793, a large group of over 4,000 people marched in Dingle. They were protesting against high rents and a plan to create a local army. Thomas Mullins was in charge of the town for the government. He brought in 70 soldiers from Limerick to stop the protest. Sadly, during the event, some people lost their lives and others were hurt.

Titles and Achievements

In 1795, Mullins bought Castle Conway from a relative. He received a special honor on December 7, 1797, when he was made a baronet. This meant he received the title "Sir" and it could be passed down in his family.

He received an even higher honor on July 31, 1800. He was made Baron Ventry of Burnham. This made him a "Peer of Ireland," which is a very high noble title. This honor was given to him because he and his son, William, helped Lord Castlereagh. They helped pass a law called the Irish Act of Union of 1800. This law joined Ireland and Great Britain into one country.

Thomas Mullins passed away in 1824. His oldest son, William Townsend Mullins, became the 2nd Baron Ventry.

Family Life

On October 7, 1755, Thomas Mullins married Elizabeth Gunn. They had twelve children together.

• Hon. Theodora Mullins, who married Edward Bruce in 1772.
• Hon. Elizabeth Mullins, who married Richard Blennerhasset in 1780.
• Hon. Arabella Mullins, who married Richard McGillycuddy of the Reeks in 1780.
• Hon. Charlotte Mullins, who married Richard Pierse Mahoney in 1792.
• Hon. Catharine Mullins, who married James Hozier in 1784.
• William Townshend Mullins, 2nd Baron Ventry (1761–1827), who took over his father's title.
• Townshend Mullins (1763–1799), who had one son, Thomas de Moleyns, 3rd Baron Ventry.
• Lt-Col Hon. Thomas Mullins (died 1823).
• Hon. Richard Mullins (1766–1850), who had children.
• Hon. Helena Jane Mullins (1773–1846), who married Arthur Blennerhasset in 1799.
• Maj. Hon. Edward Mullins (1777–1841), who had children.
• Hon. Rev. Frederick Mullins (1778 – 1833), who had children.