The Talbot family was devoutly Roman Catholic; William's uncle Archbishop Talbot died in prison in 1680, a victim of the fabricated Popish Plot.[6] Perhaps inspired by his uncle's example, Sir William in 1682 made a public plea for religious toleration of Catholics. He became a Commissioner of the Revenue in 1682, a member of the Privy Council of Ireland in 1687 and Master of the Rolls in 1689.[7]
His open Catholic beliefs, combined with the influence of his uncle Lord Tyrconnell who, as Lord Deputy of Ireland, became for a short time almost all-powerful in Ireland, gained him preferment, especially during the reign of the ardently Catholic King James II. Like all the judges promoted by James II, his knowledge of the law and the size of his practice were the subject of harsh criticism by his enemies.
After the downfall of James II, Talbot was attainted and his lands and title were subsequently forfeited under the Williamite Settlement.
He died either in Ireland, at Galway, in May 1691,[12] or on the continent, in France or in Spain, on 26 December 1724.[13]
Notes and references
Notes
↑ This family tree is based on the genealogy of the earl of Tyrconnell,[1] the barons Talbots of Malahide,[2] and the baronets Talbot of Carton.[3] Also see the lists of children in the text.
↑ Kenyon 1972, p.204. "He [the king] declined even to release Peter Talbot, Archbishop of Dublin, who had been imprisoned without trial since October 1678, and died, still in Dublin Castle, in November 1681."
↑ Ball 1926, p.365, line 15. "...was designated as a commissioner of the revenue in Ireland 1685; became a member of the privy council 1687; was appointed master of the rolls 1689;"
↑ Lodge 1789, p.191, line 1. "...and to his second wife, about the latter end of the year 1681, the Lady Anne Nugent, eldest daughter of Richard, earl of Westmeath..."
↑ Ball 1926, p.365, line 12. "married the Honourable Anne Nugent, daughter of Richard, Earl of Westmeath, and widow of Lucas, Viscount Dillon of Costello, later in that year [1683];"
↑ G. E. C. 1900, p.248. "He appears to have resided in France, or Spain. He d. 26 Dec. 1724, in his 82d year, when the Baronetcy is presumed to have been extinct."
