Thomas Sheridan (Jacobite) facts for kids

Sir Thomas Sheridan (born 1684, died 1746) was an important person in the Jacobite movement. He was from an Anglo-Irish family. He is best known as a trusted advisor to Charles Edward Stuart, also called Bonnie Prince Charlie. Sheridan helped him during the Jacobite rising of 1745, which was a fight to put the Stuart family back on the throne.

Early Life and Family

Sir Thomas Sheridan was the oldest child of Thomas Sheridan and Helen Appleby. His father, Thomas Sheridan, was a politician who had been the Chief Secretary for Ireland. The Sheridan family strongly supported the Stuart royal family.

The Sheridans were an old Irish family from County Cavan. Sir Thomas's grandfather, Denis Sheridan, had become a Protestant when he was young. He later became a vicar, which is a type of priest. Even though some family members were Protestant, many in the wider family still supported the Jacobite cause. This meant they wanted the Stuart kings to rule again. After King James II was removed from power in 1688, Sir Thomas's father joined the Stuart court in France.

Joining the Jacobite Cause

In 1710, Sir Thomas Sheridan began studying law. However, he soon became involved in Jacobite activities. He worked as a courier, carrying messages during the Jacobite rising of 1715. This was an early attempt to bring the Stuarts back to the throne.

After this, Sheridan took on many secret missions for the Jacobite court. He helped send letters between Ireland and France. These missions were important for keeping the Jacobite movement organized.

Advisor to Bonnie Prince Charlie

In 1725, Sir Thomas Sheridan was chosen to be a tutor and guide to Charles Edward Stuart. Charles was the grandson of King James II and was known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Sheridan and Charles became very close friends. Charles often asked for Sheridan's advice in later years.

In 1726, Sheridan was given the title of a baronet by the Jacobite court. This was a special honor from the Stuart family.

The 1745 Rising

During the Jacobite rising of 1745, Sir Thomas Sheridan joined Bonnie Prince Charlie. Even though Sheridan was not in good health – he had asthma and had already suffered a stroke – he was one of the first seven people to join the Prince. These seven men were known as the "Seven Men of Moidart".

Sheridan and another advisor, John O'Sullivan, were sometimes criticized by the Scottish Jacobite leaders. These leaders felt that the Irish advisors had too much influence over Prince Charles. After the rising failed, Sheridan returned to France. He passed away in Rome in 1746.

Unclear Details

Some parts of Sir Thomas Sheridan's life are not fully clear today. For example, some old records say he was in his seventies during the 1745 rising. They also claim he fought in the Battle of the Boyne, which happened in 1690. However, this is unlikely given his birth year.

People also disagree about his religion. He has been described as Catholic, Protestant, or someone who changed from Protestant to Catholic, like his father. It is also unclear if Michael Sheridan, an officer in the Irish Brigade who was involved in the 1745 Rising, was Sir Thomas's son or his nephew.