Annesley, James (1715–1760)

Irish claimant to the earldom of Anglesea, whose eventful early life is thought to have been the model for Robert Louis Stevenson's adventure novel Kidnapped 1886.

Born in Dunmaine, County Wexford, Annesley was believed to be the son of Mary Sheffield, Lady Altham. In 1728, when aged just 13, he was kidnapped and shipped as a slave to the American plantations at the instigation of his uncle, who wanted to thwart James' claim to the earldom and take the title himself. After gaining his freedom, Annesley returned to Ireland in 1741 and confronted his uncle, who assaulted him, was duly convicted (though not for the original abduction), and stripped of his title. His claim was recognized but, because of lack of funds, he was unable to take his seat in the House of Lords.