Piers Crosby

Piers Crosby
Born	1590 Ireland
Died	1646 Ireland
Nationality	Irish
Occupation	Politician, soldier

Sir Piers Crosby (1590–1646) was an Irish soldier and politician. Crosby was also a leading Irish magnate, owning various estates across the island.

Crosby was of Gaelic Irish descent; his father Padraig Mac an Chrosáin (died 22 March 1611), had been active in English service since 1588 and helped transplant the septs of Laois into County Kerry. While remaining Catholic he anglicsed as Patrick Crosby. His younger brother was John Crosbie (bishop).

Sir Piers commanded an Irish regiment in the Duke of Buckingham's unsuccessful expedition to support La Rochelle. During the retreat Crosby commanded the rearguard, and was able to allow the English forces to board their ships largely intact. Buckingham, who was the Royal Favourite of Charles I, developed a high opinion of Crosby and supported his career, until his assassination in 1628. Due to Buckingham's influence Crosby was appointed to both the English and Irish Privy Councils. Crosby became a noted courtier, associated in particular with Queen Henrietta Maria.

Crosby married the widow of George Tuchet, 1st Earl of Castlehaven, and was therefore the stepfather of Mervyn Tuchet, 2nd Earl of Castlehaven. Through her, Crosby was able to obtain lands in County Armagh and County Tyrone after contending that the 2nd Earl had not fulfilled his obligations under the Plantation of Ulster. Crosby raised the issue in 1628, and in 1630 the King ruled in his favour. Crosby was one of several figures who stood to gain if Castlehaven died a felon when the Earl was charged and executed in 1631 following allegations made by his wife and son.

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