Joseph Leeson 2nd Earl of Milltown by Pompeo Batoni in 1751

Joseph Leeson, 2nd Earl of Milltown (1730 – 27 November 1801), styled Viscount Russborough between 1763 and 1783, was an Irish peer.

Life

Leeson was the son of Joseph Leeson, 1st Earl of Milltown, by Cecilia, daughter of Francis Leigh, of Rathangan. He had his portrait painted in 1751 in Italy and he is thought to have had an affair with Peg Plunkett who took his surname even though they never married.[1]

He was elected to the Irish House of Commons for Thomastown in 1757, a seat he held until 1761.[2] He became known by the courtesy title Viscount Russborough when his father was elevated to an earldom in 1763. In 1783 he succeeded in the earldom and took his seat in the Irish House of Lords.

Lord Milltown died aged 72 on 27 November 1801 at Chelsea, London, England.[3] and was succeeded by his younger brother, Brice Leeson.

References

  1. ↑ Peakman, Julie (2015). Peg Plunkett: Diary of a Whore. ISBN 9781782067733.
  2. ↑ "leighrayment.com Irish House of Commons 1692-1800". Archived from the original on 1 June 2009. Retrieved 22 November 2010.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  3. ↑ Salisbury and Winchester Journal - obituaries. 7 December 1801.
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