User:Enocheverywhere/Marquess of Ballynahinch

Earl Strangford

The title Viscount of Strangford was conferred on General William Jacques in 1692 for assistance in the Williamite War in Ireland, which helped secure Ireland under protestant rule. After subsequent actions in quashing Catholic rebellions in the Northern counties William Jacques was created first Earl of Strangford and then offered the Marquessate of Ballynahinch with the Earldom falling to the eldest son. The family remained prosperous through lands granted by William of Orange until the 19th century when failed interests in American slaving companies necessitated the sale of the family seat and lands. The 8th Marquess invested remaining family interests in Rhodesia, successfully farming until the collapse of the Republic. The family now live in a smaller residence near Strangford.

The current Earl is Patrick Morris Hunyani Jacques (1990) who holds a degree in European Studies from Trinity College, Dublin where he was awarded a sports scholarship for rowing.