William Handcock, 1st Viscount Castlemaine facts for kids
William Handcock, 1st Viscount Castlemaine (born August 28, 1761 – died January 7, 1839) was an important Irish politician. He was a member of the Irish Parliament and supported the idea of Ireland joining with Great Britain to form the United Kingdom. He was also a member of the Privy Council of Ireland, which was a group of advisors to the King or Queen.
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Life and Times
William Handcock was born in Dublin, Ireland. His parents were Reverend Richard Handcock and Sarah Toler.
Early Political Career
In 1783, William Handcock became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the town of Athlone in the Irish House of Commons. This was like being a representative for the people of Athlone in the Irish government. He continued to represent Athlone until 1801, when the Act of Union happened. This Act joined the Kingdom of Ireland with the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Important Roles
William Handcock held several important jobs. From 1813 to 1839, he was the Constable and Governor of Athlone. This meant he was in charge of keeping order and managing things in the town. He was also the Governor of County Westmeath from 1814 to 1831.
A Famous Storm
William Handcock passed away in 1839 during a very powerful storm known as the Night of the Big Wind. He was at his home, Moydrum Castle, when the strong winds blew open his bedroom shutters. He died during this event.
A City Named After Him
Far away in Australia, there is a city called Castlemaine in the state of Victoria. This city was named in William Handcock's honor by his nephew, Captain W. Wright.
Family and Titles
On March 20, 1782, William Handcock married Lady Florinda Trench. She was born in Twyford, Westmeath. William and Florinda did not have any children.
Becoming a Baron
Because they had no children, when William Handcock was given the title of Baron Castlemaine in 1812, a special rule was made. This rule said that if he didn't have children, the title would pass to his brother instead.
Becoming a Viscount
Later, in 1822, he was given an even higher title: Viscount Castlemaine. However, this title did not have the same special rule for passing it on to his brother.
The Titles After His Death
When William Handcock died, his title of Viscount Castlemaine ended because he had no children and no special rule for it to continue. However, his title of Baron Castlemaine passed to his brother, thanks to the special rule made earlier. His brother's family still holds the Baron Castlemaine title today.
Coat of Arms
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