Count Patrick D'Arcy

Who was Count Patrick D'Arcy?

Count Patrick D'Arcy was an Irish mathematician and soldier.

Born at Kiltullagh House, County Galway, D'Arcy was a descendant of the Irish Confederate Patrick D'Arcy, his parents were John D'Arcy and Jane Lynch, both members of the Tribes of Galway. At age fourteen he was sent to France under the care of his uncle, Martin D'Arcy, a banker in Paris. He studied mathematics under Clairaut, and resided in his house for some time.

He joined the French Army, being Colonel in the Irish Brigade at the Battle of Rossbach in 1757. He married his cousin Jane D'Arcy, who was known in later years as La Belle D'Arcy, and who became lady-in-waiting for Marie Antoinette.

In 1749 he was elected a member of the French Academy of Sciences and had the title of Count conferred upon him. He died in Paris in 1779, and was buried in the Church of Saint-Philippe du Roule.