William Caulfeild, 1st Viscount Charlemont
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Born in Donamon Castle in County Roscommon, he was the third son of William, 2nd Baron Caulfeild, and his wife, Mary King, daughter of Sir John King and Catherine Drury.[2] His two older brothers, Toby, 3rd Baron Caulfeild, and Robert, 4th Baron Caulfeild, both died without male issue and he succeeded to the barony on the latter's death in 1644.[3]
Career
Having been first a leading Parliamentarian under Oliver Cromwell, he captured Sir Phelim O'Neil in 1653 and executed him for rebellion and the murder of his brother Toby and his family.[4] In 1660, the then Lord Caulfeild switched his allegiance and supported afterwards King Charles II of England, captaining a troop of horse.[5] After the English Restoration, he took his seat in the Irish House of Lords and was sworn of the Privy Council of Ireland.[4]
In 1661, the 5th Baron Caulfeild, as he was still known, was appointed Custos Rotulorum of County Armagh and Custos Rotulorum of County Tyrone, holding both offices until his death in 1671.[5] He was rewarded with the governorship of Charlemont Fort for life in July of the same year; however, he sold this office back to the Crown three years later.[4] On 8 October 1665, he was created Viscount Charlemont, in the County of Armagh.[6]