CHILDREN OF THE 1st VISCOUNT MOLESWORTH
William Molesworth, MA (Cantab), MLitt (Dub)
– (used by permission).
Main sources are the Heraldic Pedigree, which Robert Molesworth (later Viscount) commissioned in 16881, Lodge’s Peerage of Ireland2, his son Coote’s Pedigree of the Family de Molesworth and Historical and Critical Account3, the correspondence between Robert Molesworth and members of his extended family circle, calendared by Dr. Chart of the Historical Manuscripts Commission4, Foster’s Our Noble and Gentle Families of Royal Descent5, and the Mormon International Genealogical Index for the Whole of Ireland.6
In his autobiographical letter of c1712 Robert Molesworth states he has eight sons and three daughters, and in a letter of 1721 claims that out of seventeen children, nine were then living7. Writing much later in 1765, Coote agrees with the number still living, but states these had survived of twenty8. lt is known that several had died at birth or in early infancy, but for these, evidence is too scant to name them authoritatively. The nine still living in 1721 are, in order of birth: John, Richard, William, Edward, Charlotte-Amelia, Walter, Letitia, Coote and Bysse. To these can be added Margaret, Mary and Robert, whose earlier deaths are verifiable, bringing the total known to twelve. This tallies with the above sources which provide twelve names. Confusion on some of their dates comes about mainly because it was customary for names of earlier-born children that had died in infancy to be given to subsequent children. For instance, two Roberts appear separately in the Heraldic Pedigree, with a third implied in Coote’s Pedigree, and there are two Cootes, born some ten years apart9. Of the daughters, two were named Letitia, one in the Heraldic Pedigree living in 1688, the other born in 169710.
For obituaries, Musgrave’s Annual Register provides a convenient reference for those that appeared in the Gentleman’s Magazine, London Magazine and Scots Magazine at the time11.
The following biographical summaries are therefore given in order of births, including known children, as well as those for whom sufficient evidence places them here:
Margaret
Baptized 9th February 167712. Died c1684 aged 6: “Margareta fl/ia nata maxima ætat 6 annorum CAO
1684 defuncta”13.
John (called Jack)
Born 1679: see Chapter 2 on 2nd Viscount.
Richard (called Dick)
Born 1681: see Chapter 3 on 3rd Viscount.
Mary (called Mall14)
Born c 1682: “Maria filia secunda genita ætat 6 annor. Ao’ l688” 15. She became the first wife of George Monck16 Esq, of Stephen’s Green, Dublin, MP for Philipstown between 1703-13. During the early period of her marriage she appears to have lived an unsettled existence in Yorkshire17. This is explained by a derangement which her husband had begun to suffer from some time around 171218, to the extent that she was obliged to separate from him altogether, eventually taking lodgings with her children in 171419, probably in Bath, where she died in 1715. Like her elder brothers, John and Richard (later 2nd and 3rd Viscounts), she possessed a remarkable talent for poetry and literature, in which she would no doubt have found solace in her separation. Coote’s Pedigree states:
“Mary lived in a vely retired Manner, at Standsworth, near Sheffield Yorkshire20. Whilst others were spending their Time and Money in the Gaieties of the Court and the Town of London, she applied herself to Books, of which she had a good Collection. In this Retirement she made herself Mistress of the French Spanish and Italian Languages; and translated some of the brightest Passages of verses and [paper torn] English Poetry. These being found, after her Death, in loose Papers, lying in her Scritore, were collected, and published by her Father, with a Dedication to Queen Caroline.“These works, published on 26th March 1716 under the title Marinda. Poems & Translations upon several occasions21, were prefaced with the following observations by her father :
“Most of them are the Product of the leisure Hours of a Young Gentlewoman lately Dead, who in a Remote country Retirement, without any Assistence but that of a good Library. and without omitting the daily Care due to a large Family, not only perfectly aquired the several Languages here made use of, but the good Morals and Principles contain ‘d in those Books, so as to put them in Practise as well during her Life and languishing Sickness, as at the hour of her Death. In short she died not only like a Christian, but a Roman Lady, and so at once became the Object of the Grief and Comfort of her Relations. As much as I am obliged to be sparing in commending what belongs to me, I cannot forbear thinking some of these Circumstances uncommon enough to be taken Notice of I loved her more because she deserved it, than because she was mine. And I cannot do greater honor to her Memory than by consecrating her labors or rather diversions to your Royal Highness, as we found most of them in her Escrittore after her death, written with her own Hand. little expecting, and as little desiring the Publick shou’d have any Opportunity ofApplauding or Condemning them.”
The collection comprises eclogues, familiar epistles, odes, madrigals, translations from French and Italian22, and verses on domestic subjects, such as On Marinda’s Toilette23. Out of the collection the best known is possibly the frequently anthologized Verses Written on her Death-Bed at Bath to her husband in London24. She was buried at Edlington Hall, Yorkshire, where a memorial at the church reads:
“Here lie the remains of MARY, the wife of Colonel MONK, daughter to the Right honourable Lord Molesworth, formerly of this town. She died Feb. 17, l715-625.”
She left by her marriage a son, Henry Stanley, and two daughters, Sarah and Margaret26.
Letitia I
Living in 1688: “Lætitia tertia filia ætat [gap] anno AO 1688”27.
Robert I
Living in 1688.28
William (called Will, Willy)
Born 9th August (OS) or 20th August (NS) 168829. A captain in the wars with Spain. Appointed Supervisor and Valuer of his Majesty’s Honours, Manors, Messuages etc. and Surveyor of Lands on 11th December 1714, which appointment was renewed by George II on 26th October 1727. A Commissioner of Trades and Plantations in 1714. He was appointed on 1st August 1717 as Alnager, Seal Master, and Collector of the Subsidy and Alnage “on all saleable and vendible cloths, Kerseys, Cottons, Ruggs, & Cloths called the Old Drapery, made in Ireland, and offer’d to sale, shipt, or embarked throughout the Kingdom, for the term of 31 years, at the Rent of £10. a year30.’ As the next senior son after John and Richard, he seems to have assumed the role of family caretaker, liaising with his brothers as 2nd and 3rd Viscounts on matters of their estate, including arrangements after their mother’s death in 173031. He was MP for Philipstown from 1717 to the end of George l’s reign in 1727, and again throughout the reign of George II till the latter king’s death in 1760. He married on 25th July 1726 Anne, who died June 1767, eldest daughter of Robert Adair Esq, of Holybrook, Co Wicklow, MP32. Upon the succession of his brother, Richard, as 3rd Viscount in 1726, until the birth of Richard’s heir, Richard Nassau (later 4th Viscount) in 174833, William was heir-presumptive. Upon the 4th Viscount’s succession in 1758, he was again heir-presumptive for the remainder of his life34. He had three sons, viz Robert, born 1729, who succeeded as 5th Viscount and was father of the 6th Viscount35; John, born 173636: Richard, born 1737, who was father of the 7th and grandfather of the 8th Viscount37; and six daughters, viz Letitia38; Elizabeth39; Juliana40; Jane41; Amelia-Charlotte42; and Isabella43. Foster’s states he lived in Bath and died 5th March 1770.
Edward (called Ned)
Born c1689. Coote’s Pedigree states he was born between William and Charlotte-Amelia, and continues:
“He was first sent to Sea, and, when a Midshipman, quitted that Service at Barcelona in Spain, and got a Pair of Colours.”
He was disembarked sick at Lisbon in 1706 and later served under General Stanhope in 1710, holding an Ensign’s commission in Colonel Sir Charles Hotham’s regiment44. He was made Lieutenant, then Captain, and served throughout the Spanish War, where he was wounded in 1711/12 at Cardona in Catalonia45. The regiment was then broken in 1713 at the Peace of Utrecht. In 1718-9 he was restored to Colonel Pocock’s Regiment46. In January 1725 he served in Colonel Handasyd’s Regiment and in July 1737 was promoted to Major in General Moyle’s Regiment. He married firstly in 1712 Mrs. Oldfield, a widow47. He married secondly, in September 1718, Catherine, who died in January 1731, daughter and co-heir of Thomas Middleton Esq of Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, MP48, by whom he had a son, Robert49. He married thirdly Catherine, who died on 15th February 1748, by whom he had a son, Nicholas, who died young50, and a daughter. He married fourthly, in 1750 at St. Bride’s, Dublin, Miss Mary Renourd, by whom he had two sons, John51 and Robert52. He died 29th November 176853 in Dublin.
Coote I
Born c 1689. Robert Molesworth writes in a letter of November 1689 to his wife: “Your son Coote is at nurse.” In April 1690 there is the reported death of a child, possibly Coote I, Robert I or Letitia I54.
Charlotte Amelia
Born c1691. Coote’s Pedigree states she was:
“so called from the Queen of Denmark, who was her Godmother, she being born at Copenhagen, during her Fathers Residence at that Court55. Feby. 28th. 1714 she was appointed one of the Bed Chamber Woman to her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales, afterwards Queen Caroline; and so continued to the Death of that Great Queen56. She married, Dec.r 1712. The Hon.ble Capt.n W.m Tichborne, only surviving Son of Henry Lord Ferrard57, & by him had one Son, which died in his Infancy; and 2 Daughters. Arabella married May 1744 to Francis Wyat Esq.e of Shakelford in Middlesex, a Captain in His Majesty’s Navy: and Wilhelmina, now unmarried58.”
Robert II
Born c 1692 or soon thereafter59.
Walter (called Watt, Watty)
Born sometime after 1692, between Robert II and Letitia II60. Coote’s Pedigree states he:
“was also a Captain of Foot in Spain; and afterwards, a Captain of Dragoons in Gen.’ Churchill’s Regiment, raised on account of the Rebellion in 1715 and broken about two years afterwards. He married (first) a Daughter of James Wellwood, an Eminent Physician: a young Lady of uncommon Parts and accomplishments61; by whom he had a Son, named James62, at this time (1765) Collonel [paper torn], Lieutenant Co/lone! of a Regiment of Foot in Ireland, and Lieut.t Governor of Corke63.
He married, his Second Wife, a young Widow, M.rs Bredon, with a very large Fortune; by whom he had several Children. Robert his Eldest Son, was killed an Ensign, at the Battle of Fontenoy. His now only Surviving Son, named S.t George, was originally bred to the Sea, which he quitted on Account of a bad State of Health; He then studied the Law64; but, disliking it, entered at Oxford; went thro’ his Degrees, took Orders, and has now the Living of North Fleet, in Kent. Mary, his Eldest daughter, is unmarried65: Jenny, his second, married M.r Bearcroft a Barrister; brought him a Son, now alive, and died in Child bed. Elizabeth, youngest daughter; is not married66.
Lieut Coli.’ James married a Daughter of Richard L.d Molesworth 67, 1w his first Wife, Sister to Lady BeIvedere; by whom he has no Children.”
Foster’s states he died in 1773.
Letitia II
Born 7th March OS/l8th March NS 169768. Married in 171969, to Edward Bolton Esq, of Brazeel, Co Dublin, MP for Swords70. Coote’s Pedigree states she:
“had 4. Sons, & 5. Daughters. viz.t Richard & Edward, both deceased: Robert & Theophilus, both married; Elizabeth. deceased; Letitia, married to Hamilton Esq.e71 and died without Children: Maria, married to Captain Archibald Grant72, by whom she has a Son and two Daughters; and now lives with her Husband, at their Estate of Pittencrie, near Dumferling73, Scotland74.”
Coote states she was living in Dublin at the time of his Pedigree in 176575
Coote II
His Pedigree states that Coote:
“(so called from his Mother’s family name) was born (as were some of the above) in Bury Street, near S.t James’s Street London, June 23.d OS July 4.th N.S. 179876. In his Infancy was sent to Edlington, Yorkshire; and, at or about the Age of 7years, was put to a School at Beighton near Sheffield Yorkshire. When his Brother John was (in 1710) appointed Envoy Extraordinary to the Court of Tuscany, he was sent for to London, in order to have been carried thither; but, it being thought that he was too young to be capable of Business, he was sent to the School of Mons.r La Place, in Queen’s Square, Ormond Street, to learn Latin, but Chiefly French, to qualify him for going abroad, in Publick Business. He remained there about two years, and thence was put to Westminster School, under Doctor Friend; went through that school; and, Parties running high, was taken away in or about the year 1715. or 16. and was sent to Leyden, in Holland; with Directions to attend the Lectures of Civil Law, Belles Lettres, and Philosophy; still with a View to being employed in Publick Affairs77. Having gone through two Courses of said Lectures, he was sent to Geneva, to perfect the French Language, and learn the Genteel Exercises. After staying there about Six Months, he was ordered to Leyden again, in his way to Sweden, in Case his youngest Brother Bysse (who attended Lord carteret, on his Embassy to that Court) had died; he being very dangerously ill there. He fortunately recovered; and Coote was order’d to remain in Holland, and to pursue the same Studies. In the year 1720. when his Brother John was appointed Envoy & Plenipotentiary to all the Courts of Italy, and to reside at Turin, he accompanied him thither, and did all the Business of Secretary (though he had a nominal one) till Lord Carteret (at that time Secretary of State) insisted upon his taking Bysse in his stead: Wherefore Coote was to return home; but obtained permission to visit the most remarkable Towns in Italy; by which means he was twice at Rome, at Naples etc.a etc.a & came home through France78.
The Earl of Sunderland, M.r Secretary Craggs, and M.r Addison being now dead (on whom were his sole dependance for being put forward in the way to which his Education led.) and his Father having highly disobliged the Court and Ministry, by pursuing the Principal Actors in the South Sea scheme (for he was thrust out of his Station for Bodmyn, and M.r Leheup chosen [paper torn] he had 97. Votes against 19. on the other side79). for these Reasons it was [paper torn] proper to give up all thoughts of Perferment that way: Whereupon he was entered in the Middle Temple, with design to his pursuing the Study of the Law. But his Father dying in May 22.d 1725. and his Brother John the year following; he seeing himself deprived of all Assistance, and disliking the Study of the Law, went a third time to Leyden, and applied himself very closely to the Study of Physick, Botany, and Chemistry under that Great Man Hermannus Boerhaave, & of Anatomy, under the well known Professor Albinus. There he continued two years, and brought back six Vol.s, large Quarto, of Boerhaave’s Lectures in Manuscript.
Having entered himself, beforehand, fellow commoner of S.t John‘s College Cambridge, he compounded for his Terms, and April 25.th 1728. took his Degree of Doctor in Physick there80. March 28.th 1730. he was elected fellow of the Royal Society, of which he is a Member at this time (1765.) Sept.r 30.th 1735. He was appointed Physician to His Majesty’s Troops in the Island of Minorca, with a Salary of 10.sh a Day; which, in the beginning of the following year, was increased to 20sh a day, payable out of the Revenues of that Island; where be resided, with his family many years. In the year 1756, the Island was conquered by the French; and he lost both his employment and Salary, as long as it remained in the hands of the Enemy: But in 1763. was restored to both, which he now enjoys. July 13th 1742. he took his Degree of Doctor in Physick in the University of Dublin. May l5.th 1731. he married Mary81 sole daughter and Heiress of Doctor W.m Palmer of Wanlip, in Leicestershire; by whom, (now living) he has no Issue. He resides at present (Feby. 26.th 1765) in a good House of his own, at the Town of Chichester in Sussex. He had always a great facility in learning Langauges; and acquired a Competent Knowledge of French, Italian, Spanish and low Dutch, which he reads and understands perfectly; and, with a little residence on the Spot, would speak any of these fluently.
D.r’ Coote Molesworth, and his Wife Mary, were at Lady Molesworth ‘s House in Upper Brook’s Street82, when that dreadful fire happen ‘d in the Morning of the 6th of May 1763. wherein so many of the family perished, and they miraculously escaped with their Lives. The latter was obliged to throw herself out at a Window towards the Garden, 3 stories high; and falling on an Iron rail which fenced off the Area; whereby she bounded into the Garden, instead of falling to the bottom; bruised her left arm so much that it was doubtful whether she might ever recover the use of it, which is yet very imperfect. The former got out at the said Window, and finding an Iron in the Wall, caught hold of it, and hung 12 or 15 Minutes, by one hand, until a Ladder was brought from a great distance. They were both burnt in several parts of the Body, and lost all their Cloaths, Linnen, Jewels Watches etc.a etc.a etc!’ escaping only in a Shirt & Shift, with each a Night Cap, by the most Wonderful Goodness and Power of Providence83.”
He died at Chichester, 29th November 178284.
Bysse
Coote’s Pedigree states that Bysse, the
“last surviving child. (so called from his Great Grandfather, the Ld Chief Baron Bysse) was born in London in the year 1700. He was, in his Infancy, sent to School at Beighton, with his Brother Coote85; and, afterwards to Westminster School86, whence he was remov’d to attend Lord Carteret on his Embassy to the Court of Sweden87. There he remained till his Lordship had finished his Embassy, & on his Return was appointed Secretary of State. Some time afterwards Lord Carteret was made Lord Lieutenant of Ireland; and so continued five or Six years88. In all these Stations, Bysse constantly attended his Lordship; not without Reason expecting some reward of his long Attendance: but never received any other Favours from him, than fair Promisses, and Compliments.
Inserted:1 On the Accession of King Geo. I 89 he was appointed Cup Bearer to the Princ.ss of Wales; afterwards to the Q.n Caroline. Tired of such a dependant State, without hopes of Success, he quitted it, and by his Friends was chosen Member of Parliament for the Borough of Swordes, in 172690. April 30.th 1738 he was appointed Collector of the Customs in the Port of Coleraine; which he exchanged, the next year, for the Clerkship of the Permits and from thence, was removed to be first and Chief Clerk in the Secretary’s Office, to the Commissioners of the Revenue, in Dublin, Ireland.
On the 18th Dec.r (N.S)91 1731. He married Elizabeth 92, the Widow of Edward Archdale Esq.re, of Castle Archdale, in the County of Fermannah: and Sister to Lord Mountfiorence: By whom he has had 14. Children; 8. of which are now living (Jan.y 1765.) viz.t 6. Sons. and 2. daughters. viz.t Caroline (to whom her Majesty Queen Caroline was Godmother) born [gap left 93] married Charles Walker Esq.re of Dublin; Master in Chancery, in [gap left 94] Florence, born [gap left95] married to the Rev.d M.r Tho.s Coleclough of Dufrrey Hall, near Wexford.
Arthur, born Dec.r 174796 Now a Major in the 14th Reg.t of Dragoons: commanded by tile Marquis of Lorne. Cornet Dec.” 10.th 1755 & gradually rose to Major97.
Robert, born May 10th o.s. 174998 made Ensign in the 43.d Reg.t of Foot, then Gen] Kennedy’s, Dec.” 10.th 1755. Lieut.t in 3.d Reg.t Feby. 2.d 1757. afterwards Capt.n Lieut.t and Captain in 3.d Reg.t Oct.r 5.th 1764. commanded by Gen. Noel. He embarked in the year 1757. (May) with the Regiment, at Cork, for Halifax, in Nova Scotia. From thence to the Attack of Louisbourg; but that not being practicable, was sent to Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia: and from thence to Annapolis Royal, D.a April 1759. was landed at Louisbourg (the Place being taken in 1758.) and joined Gen.1 Wolfe ‘s Army. May, that year, embarked for Quebec, present at the Siege & taking of the Place; winter’d there, and besieged by the Enemy the Spring 1760. The Siege being raised, went with Gen.1 Murray, & part of the Army to Montreal, where he joined General Amherst’s Army. Returnd to winter Quarters in the District of Quebec; and in 1761. marched thro’ Canada to New York: where embarked, under Gen!’ Monckton, for Martinico. Was at the Siege, and taking of the Island. In 1762. embarked from Martinico, with the Army commanded by the Earl of Albermarle, for the Havanna: and was at the Reduction thereof In 1763. The Regimment was sent to Jamaica; and in July the same year, embarked on board the Man of War, Bellona for England; arrived in Sept.” at Portsmouth, Hampshire; and marched to Chatham Barracks, where the Regiment now is quarter’d Feby. 176599.
S.t George, an Ensign in the 52.d Regiment, Commanded by Coli.1 Clavaring100.
Ponsonby101, and Bouchier102, both Ensigns in the 39.th Regiment of Foot, commanded by Major General Aldercron.
William, who has an Employment in the Secretary’s Office in the Custom house. Dublin103.
I return now to the family of Bysse’s Wife, the Widow Archdale.
Sir Wm Cole her Ancestor by the Father, lived in the Castle of Inniskillin, the ancient seat of the family; from whence he made great & useful Discoveries of the bloody designs of the Papists, in 1641. when they were contriving the Massacre of the Protestants; for which he received the Thanks of the Lords Justices for the time being. He was not, however happy enough to prevent their Wicked designs, which ended in the putting to death of 150000. Men, Women & Children, in the space of a few Months.
The late Lord Renelagh (Cole) was her Father’s Uncle; and there is, in the possession of her Brother Cole, now Lord Mountflorence. a Pedigree of his family, from King John. upon Vellum, finely embellished. The Town of Inniskillin (situated upon that beautiful extensive Lake, called Lough Earne) belongs to his Lordship. In her late Father’s time the Castle was burnt by Accident; and is now a Ruin. But his Lordship has built a very grand House at about Six Miles from the Town. He nominates 2 Members for the Town.
Her father married, July 1707. first Florence, only Daughter of S.r Bouchier Wray of Frebitch in Cornwall, & Tavistock, Devonshire Bar.t & Knight of the Bath, Member for Devonshire; Coll.1 of a Reg.t in King William’s Reign [paper torn for line-and-a-half], was daughter of S.r John Rolle of Stevenstone, Devonshire, Knight of the Bath, ancestor of the late Lord Rolle. The Father of M.rs B.Molesworth had by his first wife 5. Sons, & 2 daughters. viz.t John, Bouchier, MichaeL William & Henry. Elizabeth, married first to M.mr Archdale, as above; & afterwards to The Hon.ble Bysse Molesworth. Florence, his 2d daughter, married Arthur Newburgh Esq.re of Ballyhaise, in the County of Cavan. Her father’s 2fi Wife was [gap left] the daughter of Robert Saunderson Esq.re of Castle Saunderson in the County of Cavan. He died in July 1726. & was succeeded by his Eldest Son, now Lord Mountflorence.
[added in pencil:] now the Son of this L.d M.t Florence is created L.d Visct. Enniskillin.
FR states Bysse died in 1779104.
Robert III
Born c 1702. Coote’s Pedigree states:
“died a youth, at the Age of about 10. years of the small Pox at Edlington, in Yorkshire; where the family was collected at Christmass; consisting of Robert, the Father; Letitia, the Mother; & all the Children; viz.t John Richard; Mary, with her Husband George Monck, and their two Daughters; William; Edward; Charlotte Amelia; Robert (of whom this Article) Walter; Letitia; Coote, and Bysse. Amounting, in all, to 16 105.”
Other children
According to Coote’s estimation, there are another four children unaccounted for, records of whom may come to light after further research. if the Viscount’s figure of seventeen is correct, however, then that leaves just one more child: John Phillips, of Swords, Co Dublin, who claimed to be the ‘natural’ son of Viscount Molesworth. In about 1755 John had a son called Molesworth Phillips, who sailed with Captain Cook, being marine officer at the time of Cook’s death106.
Notes to ‘Children of the 1st Viscount’
1. Abbreviated LIP. See Chapter 1: 1st Viscount and Primary Sources: MT.
2. Abbreviated LO. See Bibliography: Lodge.
3. Abbreviated CP and HCA. I am most grateful for the loan of these rare documents and other material to Mrs. Ann Molesworth, whose late husband, Robert Hickman, a descendant of the Viscount’s youngest son, Bysse, was a keen and knowledgeable family historian. Coote, the penultimate surviving child, was writing from both personal recollection and contemporary records. See Primary Sources: MT.
4. Abbreviated HMC. Dr. Chart writes: ‘The Molesworths of this time were affectionate to each other and carried family loyalty almost to the verge of clannishness”. Even allowing for the florid style of letter-writing of the time, the letters reveal an affection that is remarkable. Nicknames and terms of endearment are used interchangeably, eg “Letty Goose” and “Dear Life”, which the Viscount uses to address his wife, Letitia. Sec Primary Sources: NLI and Bibliography: Chart.
5. Abbreviated FR. See Bibliography: Foster.
6. Abbreviated MN. Not strictly a historical work, MN is notoriously inaccurate, nevertheless a useful reference, especially on baptisms. See Bibliography: Mormon.
7. See Primary Sources: BL and HMC p 319.
8. CP.
9. Sec Roberts 1, il and III, and Coote 1 and H.
10. See Letitia 1 and Letitia II.
11. Abbreviated GM, LM and SM. Sec Bibliography: Musgrave.
12. LG.
13. LIP. LO also confirms she died young. FR, however, states she died 19th July 1759.
14. See HMC p 243.
15. HP.
16. Also spelt Monk, Moncke or Muncke. She is referred by her married name as early as 1706 in a letter from her brother, Richard, who sends his regards to his “Sister Monk” in Yorkshire. See Primary Sources: MT.
17. From at least 1706 until around 1714. See note 16 and HMC pp 243, 252, 265 & 268.
18. See HMC pp 258 and 259.
19. See HMC p 268.
20. Handsworth, outside Sheffield.
21. See Bibliography.
22. HCA states she also understood Latin and Spanish.
23. Some were also published by Colman & Thornton in 1775 and 1773, under the title Poems by Eminent Ladies. See Bibliography.
24. LG quotes a Mr. Harris, who wrote of them in his Continuation of Sir James Ware’s Writers of Ireland: “The fur/lest Critrick must allow to be well done.’ HCA also cites a Mr. Jacob, who “tells us, they shew the Spirit and numbers of Poetry, a delicacy of Turn, and a justness of thought and expression.”
25. Hunter’s South Yorkshire. Hunter also states she “is further commemorated in the church on a brass plate, having her name in cypher and the date of her decease”. See Bibliography: Hunter.
26. CP: Sarah married Robert Mason Esq, of Mason’s Brook, Co. Galway. Margaret, married firstly, on 4th April 1730, Henry Butler Esq (see HMC p 404), of Rossroe, Co. Clare, and secondly, Captain Hill.
27. hip.
28. LIP gives a quartering in his own right, indicating that he was already living in 1688. The inscription beneath his name has faded, but it is possible that he had died by the time of another Robert , whose name appears to have been added under the quartering of Richard, as were the names of William. Edward and Walter, all born 1688 or later. See Robert II.
29. CP.
30. CP based on LG ln this year he was studying mathematics and surveying. See HMC p 271.
31. See HMC pp 331, 397, 399, 404 (2), 4()4-5 and 405.
32. FR. Her obituary: GM 1st July 1767. Robert Adair, MP for Philipstown, worked closely with his son-in-law as land-agent for the Molesworth estates and became grandfather of the 5th Viscount and ancestor of succeeding Viscounts. LG states he died 31st July 1737. See HMC pp 259, 267, 274, 307, 333, 397, 398, 399, 404, 405 and Chapter 5: 5th Viscount.
33. See Chapters 3 and 4.
34. See Family Trees: Line of Succession.
35. See Chapters 5 and 6.
36. FR: a writer in the East India Company, died unmarried in Bombay, 10th December 1753.
37. See Chapters 7 and 8, and Family Trees: Lines of Succession.
38. FR: died 15th September 1764, having married Captain George Johnston. MN: married St. Peter & St. Kevin, Dublin, 28th October 1749.
39. FR: married Richard Holmes, “gentleman”, on 31st August 1756.
40. FR: baptized 22nd January 1734.
41. MN: baptized St. Peter & St. Kevin, Dublin, 3rd November 1740.
42. FR: married Knight Mitchell, of Shute Lodge, Devon, on 20 August 1770, died 12th November 1819.
43. MN: baptized St. Peter & St. Kevin, Dublin, 20th July 1745. FR: married John Clootwyth, died 19th December 1786.
44. See HMC pp 235 and 246. He seems to have had difficulty over relinquishing his position in order to go to Spain and this may have had something to do with his imprisonment at this time and his petition. See HMC pp 248, 247 and 250.
45. See HMC p 257.
46. See HMC p 276.
47. See HMC p 258.
48. FR. Catherine’s sister was Mary. who married Edward’s eldest brother, John (later 2nd Viscount). See Chapter 2.
49. FR: born 16th April 1719, died January 1720.
50. LG: he was buried 26th June 1750 at St. Anne’s, Dublin, with his mother, who died 15th February 1748.
51 . Called The Calculator for his celebrated feats of calculation and methods for winning the lottery, he was baptized at St. Anne’s, Dublin, 14th February 1751, married 13th June 1786, Frances, daughter of Matthew 11111 Esq, of London, and died 24th April 1791. His eldest son was Rev. John Edward Nassau, the eminent 19th-century Vicar of Rochdale. See Bibliography: Molesworth Life of John Edward Nassau Molesworth . From this branch is descended Sophie Rhys-Jones, who married, at St. George’s, Windsor, 19th June 1999, HRH The Prince Edward, who were jointly created Earl and Countess of Wessex See Family Trees: Royal Descents and Primary Sources: Daily Mall.
52. FR: married 17th November 1773, Elizabeth, daughter of John Tuke Esq.
53. FR. Obituaries: GM, LM and SM.
54. HMC p 214. Chart confuses this earlier Coote with Coote II, the author of CP. Coote II gives his own birth in 1698 (“1798” is a slip of the pen). See HMC p 215 for reported death.
55. HP is unhelpful about her date of birth: ‘filia quarta apud Copenhagen nata A° [gap]”. Robert (later Viscount) Molesworth’s wife, Letitia, has joined him in Denmark by the autumn of 1690, and it is likely Charlotte-Amelia was born by 1692, when a son, possibly Robert II, was also born abroad. See HMC p 215 and note 59 on Robert II.
56. ln 1737.
57. Her half-cousin. Charlotte Amelia therefore shared with her husband the same grandmother, Judith Bysse. The latter was mother of the 1st Viscount by her first marriage, and mother of Henry (later Lord) Ferrard by her second. See Family Trees.
58. LG states there was a third daughter, no longer living.
59. Following Robert (later Viscount) Molesworth’s hasty departure from Copenhagen in the summer of 1692, Letitia followed him as far as Hamburg and stayed on there, giving birth to a son, before rejoining her husband later that year. CP places a Robert between Charlotte-Amelia and Walter, and it is this one that is likely to be the second Robert in HP. For several reasons he does not seem to be the same one CP states died at Edlington aged 10, and my surmise is that there is a 3rd Robert born even later. See HMC pp 216-7 and note 105 on Robert III.
60. CP’s order of births.
61. Elizabeth (called Betty). Walter’s letters record her declining health, and she dies sometime after c1724-5, presumably from consumption. See HMC pp 345, 353 and 388.
62. Born 1719: “My dear Betty is safely delivered ola very fine lad.’ See HMC p 280.
63. Initially James had studied law: FR states he entered Lincoln’s Inn 24th January 1735-6.
64. FR: entered Lincoln’s Inn 1st February 1747-8.
65. FR: died 1772.
66. FR died 1766.
67. His first cousin, Letitia, second daughter of 3rd Viscount. See Chapter 3 on 3rd Viscount.
68. CP.
69. Sec 1-HMC p 282.
70. Robert (later Viscount) Molesworth disagreed in 1718 with Edward Bolton’s landscaping plans at Brazeel, which neighboured with Brackenstown: “Some way must be found ‘to take down this young man in his high shoes. “ The family differences seem to have endured over the long-term. See HMC pp 274-5, 275 and 397.
71. LG: Rev. Gustavus Hamilton.
72. LG: Captain John Grant.
73. Today spelt Dunfermline.
74. Coote misses out her last two daughters, Anna-Catharina and Charlotte, listed in LG.
75. Sadly, Letitia’s lively letters on family matters and social gossip are heavily edited by Chart. See HMC pp 268, 272 and 356.
76. Obviously 1698.
77. As early as 1717 he expressed the desire to study “physic” at Leyden. See HMC p 273.
78. There are several letters reflecting Coote’s early struggle for a suitable career, including one to his mother c1720, another from his eldest brother, John (later 2nd Viscount), reporting on Coote from Turin in 1721,and Coote’s own letter of the same year, also from Turin. See HMC pp 292-3, 327 and 329.
79. See Chapter 1: 1st Viscount.
80. LG: “conferred by his Majesty” ie George II. At some point after qualifying he evidently contemplates practice in the West Indies, although his first practice appears to have been in Doncaster, near the family estate at Edlington. See HMC pp 401 -2, 402, 403, 404, 405 and 411.
81. FR: her will dated October 1785.
82. 49 Upper Brook Street, Mayfair. See Bibliography: Sheppard Survey of London.
83. CP. See Chapter 3 for further accounts of the fire.
84. FR. Obituary: GM.
85. See Coote H.
86. In 1716 his father writes “Bysse is a rare young fellow in a garden, which he loves and works in like any labourer.” It was his father’s intention around this time to recommend him for the army. See HMC pp 270 and 272-3.
87. Letters from this period include discussions between his father and eldest brother, John (later 2nd Viscount), on plans for Bysse’s service in Italy, one from Bysse in Stockholm of 1719, instructions from John on how Bysse should attire himself in Italy, and one from his father on Bysse’s voyage to Genoa. See HMC pp 278-9, 327 and 332-3.
88. He serves Lord Carteret in Ireland from around 1724. See HMC p 376.
89. In 1714.
90. LG: MP for Swords to 1760 Je until end of King George II’s reign.
91. LG and FR: 7th December.
92. BK: born 27th October 1712. LG and FR: daughter of John Cole Esq, MP for Eniskillen. FR: she died January 1770.
93. FR: baptized 2nd January 1734.
94. FR: 4th December 1756. MN: 7th December 1756, St. Andrew’s, Dublin.
95. MN: baptized St. Peter & St. Kevin. Dublin, 7th March 1735.
96. 1747 unlikely: LG and FR give 1737, MN 1732.
97. FR: married firstly, September 1764, Catherine, daughter of Sir William fletcher-Vane, Bart.; secondly, Henrietta H [gap] Blackett, widow, thirdly, Elizabeth, daughter of [gap] Ledringham. He died 20th August 1803.
98. 1749 unlikely: MN gives c1734.
99. FR: married 1770 Miss Rose. BK: Elizabeth, daughter of Hickmann Rose, of Limerick. Notable descendants include Sir Robert, Judge of the Supreme Court, Melbourne, Australia, during the 19th century, and Olivia de Havilland, Hollywood actress of the 20th century.
100. MN: born c1736, baptized SL Peter & St. Kevin, Dublin, 1742.
101. MN: born c1740, baptized St. Peter & St. Kevin, Dublin, 14th May 1744. FR: married Susannah, sister of Sir Roger Hale Sheaffe, Bart.
102. MN: baptized St. Peter & St. Kevin, Dublin, 6th August 1745.
103. MN: born c1742, baptized St. Peter & St. Kevin, Dublin, 10th June 1748. MN gives four further children: Richard, born c1738, John Cole, born c1744, Alice, baptized c1750, and Caroline-Amelia, born c1752.
104. Obituaries: GM 23rd November 1779, LM and SM.
105r CP places his birth between those of Charlotte-Amelia and Walter. However if Bysse, born in 1700, was present at his death, this Robert could not have been the same one born before Walter. His father’s autobiographical letter of c1712 numbers 8 sons and 3 daughters then living (see Primary Sources: BL), which presumably included Robert III. A later date of death is further supported by the presence of Mary’s two daughters, the younger of whom is still of marriageable age in 1741 and not likely to have been born long before 1712. As Mary herself is dead by early 1715, evidence points to a Christmas between 1712-14 as the most probable, making Robert III the last born child of the 1st Viscount.
106. Little more is known of John Phillips, but Molesworth Phillips is mentioned in DNB (1st Supplement 1901) and Journal and Letters of Fanny Burney (ed Joyce Hemlow, Oxford 1958), and his likeness is preserved in NPG.
Robert Molesworth & his "Account of Denmark" 