Richard Jones Irish peer and politician Date of Birth: 08.02.1641 Country: Ireland

1. Early Life and Ancestry
2. Political Career in Ireland
3. The 'Undertaking' and Irish Affairs
4. Personal Finances and Controversies
5. Career in England
6. Alleged Bisexuality and Later Life

Early Life and Ancestry

Richard Jones, the future Earl of Ranelagh, was born on February 8, 1641. He was the eldest son of Arthur Jones, 2nd Viscount Ranelagh, and Catherine Boyle, daughter of the Earl of Cork. His mother, estranged from her alcoholic husband, raised Richard primarily in her London home. Among his maternal uncles were the scientist Robert Boyle and Lord Broghill, later known as the Earl of Orrery.

Political Career in Ireland

After the Restoration of Charles II, Richard Jones entered the Irish Parliament for Roscommon and joined the Irish Privy Council in 1668. Initially opposing the land settlement proposed by Lord Lieutenant Ormonde, Jones became a staunch supporter after being appointed Chancellor of the Irish Exchequer. In 1671, he accompanied Lord Lieutenant Berkeley to England, where he seized the opportunity to exploit Ireland's financial situation.

The 'Undertaking' and Irish Affairs

Ranelagh devised a monetary policy that involved assigning debts to him and his associates, effectively 'privatizing' the Irish Treasury. He earned the title of Earl and became Vice-Treasurer of Ireland. From 1672 to 1677, Ranelagh exerted significant influence on the Irish government from Whitehall, cultivating close ties with the English Treasurer, the Earl of Danby, who acted as Charles' chief minister.

Personal Finances and Controversies

When the 'Undertaking' expired in 1675, the Crown was debt-free. Ranelagh had facilitated funds from the English Treasury, which financed Charles' pensioners and Windsor Castle's reconstruction. This was partly achieved by underpaying the Irish army, which became an early trial ground for Ranelagh's subsequent embezzlement as Paymaster-General of the English army. However, Ranelagh's brief oversight of Irish army payments resulted in higher wages than under the previous regime. His involvement in Irish affairs ceased in 1681 when the Irish Treasury was placed in the hands of a Commission of Treasury.

Career in England

In 1670, Richard Jones inherited his father's viscountcy, becoming the 1st Earl of Ranelagh in 1674. He entered the English House of Commons in 1685, representing Plymouth, and was appointed to the lucrative post of Paymaster of the Forces. In 1692, Ranelagh became a member of the English Privy Council.

Alleged Bisexuality and Later Life

Ranelagh resigned as Paymaster in 1703 after a discrepancy of over £900,000 was discovered in his accounts. He married and had three daughters, but there are suggestions that he was also bisexual, leading to a libertine lifestyle. Ranelagh died in 1712 without a male heir.