William Ponsonby, 1st Viscount Duncannon facts for kids
William Ponsonby (born 1659, died 1724) was an important person in Irish history. He was known as the 1st Viscount Duncannon. A 'peer' is someone who holds a high title, like a Lord or Viscount, often passed down through families.
Early Life and Family Background
William Ponsonby was born in 1659. His father was Sir John Ponsonby, a military leader. Sir John owned a place called Bessborough in County Kilkenny, Ireland.
William had brothers and sisters. Some were full siblings, meaning they shared both parents. Others were half-siblings, sharing one parent.
The family home, Bessborough, had an interesting past. It was once called Kildalton. It was given to William's father, Sir John. He renamed it Bessborough after his wife, Elizabeth.
When William was eighteen, he went to Trinity College Dublin in 1677. Later, he became a colonel in the Army. He took over from his older brother, Sir Henry Ponsonby.
Political Career in Ireland
William Ponsonby was very active in Irish politics. He was a member of the Irish House of Commons for County Kilkenny for many years. He served from 1692 to 1693, then from 1695 to 1699, and again from 1703 to 1721.
In 1715, he became a member of the Irish Privy Council. This was a group of important advisors to the King in Ireland.
In 1721, William Ponsonby was given a special title. He became Baron Bessborough. This meant he could join the Irish House of Lords. He took his seat there in September 1721.
Just two years later, in 1723, he received an even higher title. He was made Viscount Duncannon. This title came from the fort of Duncannon in County Wexford.
Family Life
William Ponsonby married a woman named Mary. Her grandfather was Charles Moore, 2nd Viscount Drogheda. William and Mary had a large family together. They had three sons and six daughters.
Mary passed away in 1713 when she was 51 years old. William Ponsonby died on 17 November 1724. His oldest son, Brabazon, took over his titles. William and Mary are buried in the church at Fiddown.
