Henry Nugent

Henry Nugent, Count of Val de Soto (died November 1704) was an Irish military officer and nobleman who served as the governor of Gibraltar from 6 August to November 1704.

Early life

Nugent was born at Coolamber, County Longford.

Career In 1690–91, Nugent fought in the Irish campaign, in support of King James, during the Williamite War in Ireland. After the siege of Limerick in 1691, Nugent joined the Imperial regiment of Irish under Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt in 1692, entering into service for the Habsburgs, as being a Roman Catholic, he was unable to be commissioned in the British Army.

In 1697, he distinguished himself while defending Barcelona against the French during the Siege of Barcelona at the orders of Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt. Once the War of the Spanish Succession started, he was created Count of Val de Soto Two days later, on 6 August 1704, Nugent was appointed Governor of Gibraltar, with the rank of Major General. Brigadier Fox, commander of the English Marines, and junior to Nugent, demanded to go home. Hesse gave a refusal to Fox, prompting antagonism between Nugent and Fox.

During the Twelfth Siege of Gibraltar in November 1704, Nugent was mortally wounded on 9 November and died soon thereafter. His death was caused by wounds sustained at San Pablo Battery (North Bastion). He was succeeded as Governor by Brigadier John Shrimpton of the Royal Marines. Son, Thomas, became 2nd Count of Valdesoto.

Thomas' son, Francis, became the 3rd Count of Valdesoto.