Charles O'Hara, 1st Baron Tyrawley

Born in Ireland in the mid-seventeenth century his exact origins are unclear, with some contemporaries claiming that he once been a highwaymen. He developed a connection with the powerful Butler family of County Tipperary who frequently governed Ireland on the Crown's behalf. He was likely a riding master to the young James Butler, later Duke of Ormonde, although he later claimed to have been his tutor.[1]

O'Hara was commissioned into the Duke of York's Foot becoming a Captain in 1678.[2] In 1679 he transferred to the Anglo-Dutch Brigade and then in 1686 he moved to the 1st Foot Guards.[2] He became Lieutenant Colonel of that Regiment in 1689.[2]

In 1703, during the War of Spanish Succession, he went to Cadiz; he distinguished himself at the Battle of Vigo Bay but was arrested for looting on return to England.[2] Having been acquitted, in 1706, he became Second-in-Command in Spain and prevented a French attack on Guadalajara, earning an Irish Barony as reward.[2] In 1707 at the Battle of Almansa he commanded the left flank of the Army.[2]

Following the Hanoverian Succession of 1714, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief, Ireland,[3] a post he held until 1721.[2]

He married Frances Rouse and together they went on to have at least one son, James O'Hara, and one daughter.[2]

• Hugill, J.A.C. No Peace Without Spain. Kensal Press, 1991.