William O'Brien, 2nd Marquess of Thomond facts for kids
William O'Brien, 2nd Marquess of Thomond (born 1765 – died August 21, 1846) was an important Irish nobleman. He held several special titles, including the 6th Earl of Inchiquin and the 1st Baron Tadcaster. He was also a Knight of the Order of St Patrick and a member of the Privy Council of Ireland.
William O'Brien became the Marquess of Thomond in 1808. This happened after his uncle, Murrough O'Brien, who was the 1st Marquess, passed away. William received the title because of a special rule called a "special remainder," which allowed the title to pass to certain family members. In 1809, he was given the important roles of a Privy Councillor and a Knight of the Order of St Patrick. Later, in 1826, he was also made a Baron in the British nobility, becoming the 1st Baron Tadcaster.
Early Life and Family Roots
William O'Brien was born in a place called Ennistymon in County Clare, Ireland. His father was Captain Edward Dominic O'Brien, who held a position called High Sheriff of Clare. His mother was Mary Carrick.
William's family had a long history of nobility. His father was the grandson of William O'Brien, who was the 3rd Earl of Inchiquin. This means William came from a family with many important noble titles.
Noble Titles Explained
- Marquess: This is a very high rank in the nobility, just below a Duke.
- Earl: This is another important noble title, below a Marquess.
- Baron: This is a lower rank of nobility, but still very important.
- Peer: This word refers to a member of the nobility, someone who holds one of these titles.
- Privy Councillor: This was a group of trusted advisors to the King or Queen.
- Knight of the Order of St Patrick: This was a special honor given to people in Ireland for their service.
Family Life
William O'Brien married Elizabeth Rebecca Trotter on September 16, 1799. Elizabeth was born in 1775 and passed away in 1852.
William and Elizabeth did not have any sons, but they had four daughters:
- Susan Maria: She married Captain George Frederick Hotham. Their son, Charles, later became the 4th Lord Hotham.
- Sarah: She married Major William Stanhope Taylor.
- Mary: She married Richard White, who was Viscount Berehaven. He later became the 2nd Earl of Bantry.
- Elizabeth: She married George Stucley Bucke. He later became Sir George Stucley Stucley, 1st Baronet, in 1859.
Passing of the Title
When William O'Brien passed away in 1846, his noble titles were passed on. Because of the same "special remainder" rule that gave him the title, the Marquess of Thomond title went to his brother, James O'Brien, 3rd Marquess of Thomond.
