BOYLE, Roger (BARON BROGHILL and 1st EARL OF ORRERY), English statesman, soldier and dramatist, third son of the 1st Earl of Cork: b. Waterford, 25 April 1621; d. 16 Oct. 1679. When only seven years old he was cre ated Baron Broghill, by which title he is usu ally known. He commanded a troop of cavalry raised by his father, was employed in the de fense of the castle of Lismore and displayed his courage and ability on many occasions in the service of Charles I, on the cessation of whose authority he acted under the Parlia mentary commissioners in Ireland. When the King was put to death, he retired for a while from public life, but being courted by Crom well, he accepted a commission from him and assisted him materially in reducing the Irish to subjection. He served his new master with zeal and fidelity, and few persons were more trusted or distinguished by him. Oliver, be coming Protector, made Lord Broghill one of his privy council and a member of his House of Lords. In 1656 he sent him to Scotland,
with a commission to govern there with abso lute authority for one year, and his conduct was such as proved satisfactory both to the Scots and the Protector. On the death of Cromwell, becoming aware of the approaching restoration of regal power, he exerted himself with such dexterity and success in promoting it as to obtain much credit for his conduct.
Charles II rewarded him with the title of Earl of Orrery and he was appointed one of the lords justices for Ireland. Among his dra matic writings are V,' (Mustapha, the Son of Solyman the Magnificent,' (Tryphon.' His comedies include 'Guzman' and (Mr. Anthony.' He also wrote several poems, one of them being on the death of his friend, Abra ham Cowley.