Person:Edmund Nugent (1)

Appearance

Several witnesses who knew Edmond in the 1690s were asked in 1729 to describe his appearance (source given below). He was described as of middle size, with reddish hair (although he usually wore a blond wig), and with a prominent scar from a cut on one of his cheeks. Estimates of his height varied from 5'4" to 5'7" (according to the French measure -- between about 5'8" and 5'11 1/2" in the imperial system). His complexion was variously described as "fair", "fresh", and "sanguine". He is also described as "well set", "portly", and "handsome".

Life History

(The court case which is the source for most of this is linked to below.) After his marriage in London in 1687, Edmond seems to have returned to Ireland to fight on the side of James II. After the capitulation of Limerick, he moved to France and joined the Irish Brigade of the French Army, becoming a Captain in the Regiment of Athlone or the Berwick Regiment. He seems to have been away from his wife Frances for several years, being stationed in Italy, France, and Germany. He seems to have visited her in London in 1701. Some witnesses say he came to London in order to visit his wife, although others suggest he was somehow forced to go to England, having killed a man. After a few weeks, he returned to his post in the French army, and was killed shortly after, during an attack on Chiari, Italy.

Relationships

Edmond's parents are not known. He married Frances Byne in 1687, and a daughter Elizabeth was born in 1688.

A son, Henry Nugent, is recorded as being baptized 13 Feb 1697/8 in Edmund's home parish of St Clement Danes ("Henry Neugent of Edmund and Frances uxor"). Henry's 1716 apprenticeship record also gives Edmund as his father. In a 1723 bill for a court case against his mother, Henry is described as "only Son & Heir of the Body of Edmund Nugent late of the Parish of St Clement Danes in the County of Middx Gent [deced] begotten on the Body of Frances his Wife". In 1729 court records, he is referred to as "... Henry the son of Frances Nugent deced by the name and description of Henry Nugent son and heir of Edm’d Nugent Gent Deced by Frances his wife..." That Frances was Henry's mother is not seriously in question, but several witnesses suggest that Edmond could not have been Henry's father, as Edmond had no contact with Frances during the period when Henry was conceived.

Another son, William, was baptized 17 October 1701 at St Clement Danes ("William Newgent son of Edmund and Frances uxor"), but he is not mentioned in the court case.

A Roman Catholic priest, Luke Nugent, delivered Edmond's effects to his wife after his death. It is not clear if he was related to Edmond.

Before leaving for the Battle of Chiari, Edmond left his effects with a Mrs. Wall of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. (Saint-Germain-en-Laye was the residence in exile of King James II). It is not clear what their relationship was.

1. ↑ Court records for the case Henry Nugent v. William Hancock and Elizabeth his wife.

   Estimates of his age in 1691, given in 1729 by witnesses in the case, vary from about 30 to about 40 or 42. Witnesses agree that he was a native of Ireland, with one witness specifying Westmeath as his place of origin.

2. ↑ Court records for the case Henry Nugent v. William Hancock and Elizabeth his wife.

   Witnesses agree that Edmond died from wounds received at the Battle of Chiari. Witnesses, none of whom were at the battle, seem to disagree as to whether he died during the battle, or later of wounds received at the battle. One witness specifies that Edmond died from wounds received from a cannon.

3. ↑ Court records for the case Henry Nugent v. William Hancock and Elizabeth his wife.