Thomas Ridgeway, 1st Earl of Londonderry facts for kids
Thomas Ridgeway, 1st Earl of Londonderry (born around 1565, died 1631) was an important English official. He worked in Ireland, especially helping with a big project called the Ulster Plantation. This project involved moving many people from England and Scotland to live in Ulster, a part of northern Ireland.
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Early Life and Family
Thomas Ridgeway was born around 1565. His family lived in Devon, England. His father, also named Thomas Ridgeway, was a Member of Parliament. This meant his father was chosen to represent his local area in the English government. Thomas's mother was Mary Southcott.
Starting His Career
Thomas Ridgeway went to Exeter College, Oxford, a famous university, in 1581. After that, he studied law. He later became a customs collector in Exmouth, which meant he collected taxes on goods coming into the port.
When his father died in 1597, Thomas took over the family's responsibilities. He even paid for a ship to join a military trip led by Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex. In 1600, he became the High Sheriff of Devon, a top law enforcement officer for the county. He was also made a knight that same year.
Working in Ireland
Thomas Ridgeway became involved in Irish affairs. He might have fought in some wars there. In 1604, he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Devon. However, he soon left this role. In 1606, he was chosen to be the Treasurer of Ireland. This was a very important job, as he was in charge of all the money for the government in Ireland. He also became a Privy Councillor, which meant he advised the King.
The Ulster Plantation
One of Thomas Ridgeway's biggest tasks was helping with the Ulster Plantation. This was a plan by the English King to settle parts of Ulster, in northern Ireland, with people from England and Scotland. The goal was to bring more English control and Protestant religion to the area.
In 1608, a rebellion broke out in Ireland. Thomas Ridgeway helped put it down. He then worked on surveying the land in Ulster. This survey was to prepare for the new settlers. He pushed for the plan to start quickly.
He traveled to London to meet with government officials. He helped decide where the new settlers would live. He was also one of the officials chosen to carry out the plan.
As part of the plantation, Thomas Ridgeway himself received a large amount of land. He got about 2,000 acres in County Tyrone. He was one of the first people to officially claim his land. He worked hard to fulfill his duties as a settler.
Becoming a Baronet and Earl
In 1611, King James I needed money to support the army in Ulster. He decided to create a new title, "Baronet," which people could buy. Thomas Ridgeway was one of the first to buy this title for £1,200. This made him Sir Thomas Ridgeway, Baronet.
He continued to be involved in Irish politics. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for an Irish town called Ballynakill. In 1615, he left his job as Treasurer. In 1616, he was given another title, becoming Lord Ridgeway, Baron of Gallen-Ridgeway.
In 1623, Thomas Ridgeway became the Earl of Londonderry. This was a very high noble title.
Death and Legacy
Thomas Ridgeway died in London in 1631. He was buried in a church in Tor Mohun, Devon. He had built a large monument there for his father and grandfather.
Family Life
Thomas Ridgeway married Cicely Macwilliam. She had been a maid of honor to Queen Elizabeth I. They had three sons and two daughters:
- Robert Ridgeway: He married Elizabeth Weston and became the 2nd Earl of Londonderry after his father died.
- Cassandra Ridgeway: She married Sir Francis Willoughby. Their grandson, Francis Willughby, became the father of Cassandra Willoughby, Duchess of Chandos.
- Edward
- Macwilliam
- Mary (who died when she was a baby)
The title of Earl of Londonderry ended when the fourth Earl, Robert, died in 1714.
