Thomas Nugent, 4th Earl of Westmeath facts for kids
Thomas Nugent, 4th Earl of Westmeath (born 1669 – died June 30, 1752) was an important Irish soldier and a noble, known as a 'peer'. He was the second son of Christopher Nugent, Lord Delvin and Mary Butler. It is thought he lived at Coolamber Hall House.
A Soldier's Life
Thomas Nugent served as a Colonel in the Irish army of King James II. During this time, he was declared an "outlaw" by King William III in 1691. Being an outlaw meant he was considered outside the protection of the law.
He fought bravely in the Siege of Limerick (1690)/Siege of Limerick (1691), where he led a group of soldiers on horseback, known as cavalry. His outlaw status was removed in 1697, meaning he was no longer considered outside the law. Like most of his family, he was a Roman Catholic.
Becoming an Earl
Thomas Nugent became the 4th Earl of Westmeath in 1714, after his older brother, Richard Nugent, 3rd Earl of Westmeath, passed away. An Earl is a high-ranking noble title in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
His Family
Thomas Nugent was married to Margaret Bellew. Her father was John Bellew, 1st Baron Bellew of Duleek. Thomas and Margaret had several children together:
- Lady Katherine Nugent: She married Andrew Nugent. They had a daughter named Barbara, who later married James O'Reilly. Barbara was the mother of Sir Hugh O'Reilly Nugent, who became the 1st Baronet.
- Christopher Nugent, Lord Delvin: He passed away in 1752 and was not married.
- Hon. John Nugent: He passed away in 1725 and was not married.
- Lady Mary Nugent: Born in 1694, she passed away in 1725. She married Francis Bermingham, 14th Baron Athenry and they had children.
Thomas Nugent was succeeded as Earl by his younger brother, John Nugent, 5th Earl of Westmeath.
