Sir William Talbot, 3rd Baronet

Talbot was called to the Bar, succeeded to his father's title in 1670, and for a time acted as Secretary to the Province of Maryland,[5] presumably at the request of his maternal uncle, Cecilius Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, who was Proprietor of Maryland.

[6] Perhaps inspired by his uncle's example, Sir William in 1682 made a public plea for religious toleration of Catholics.

His open Catholic beliefs, combined with the influence of his uncle Lord Tyrconnell who, as Lord Deputy of Ireland, became for a short time almost all-powerful in Ireland, gained him preferment, especially during the reign of the ardently Catholic King James II.

Like all the judges promoted by James II, his knowledge of the law and the size of his practice were the subject of harsh criticism by his enemies.

[11] After the downfall of James II, Talbot was attainted and his lands and title were subsequently forfeited under the Williamite Settlement.