Count Walter Butler facts for kids

Count Walter Butler was an interesting figure from Irish history who lived a long time ago, in the 1600s. He was part of a powerful Irish family called the Butlers of Ormond.

Walter and his brother, James, moved from Ireland to Germany in the early 1600s. There, they both joined the army of the Holy Roman Emperor, which was a very important job at the time. They became military commanders and fought bravely in a huge conflict known as the Thirty Years' War. This war involved many countries in Europe and lasted from 1618 to 1648. Walter and James served under famous generals like Tilly and Wallenstein.

A Difficult Decision

Walter Butler faced a very tough situation during the war. He believed that General Wallenstein, one of the most powerful commanders, was planning to betray the Emperor and switch sides to the enemy. This would have been a huge problem for the Emperor and his army.

Protecting the Emperor

Because Walter felt a strong duty to protect his ruler, he joined with other officers who also suspected Wallenstein. They decided that the only way to stop Wallenstein's suspected betrayal was to remove him from power. So, on February 25, 1634, Wallenstein was killed in a place called Egra.

Rewards for His Actions

For his actions, which were seen as protecting the Emperor, Walter Butler was given a special title: he was made a Count of the Empire. This meant he became a very important noble. He also received large areas of land in a region called Bohemia, which his family still owns today.

Historians have discussed Walter Butler's actions for a long time. Some believe that what he did, though extreme, might have prevented even bigger problems and saved the Emperor's rule. They suggest he acted out of a strong sense of duty to his country and his leader during a very difficult time.

Later Life and Legacy

Count Walter Butler continued to serve with distinction. He fought bravely in another important battle called the Battle of Nordlingen. Sadly, he died shortly after this battle in September 1634, in a place called Wirtemberg. He was buried with a grand ceremony in Prague, a major city in what is now the Czech Republic.

Walter or his brother also left money to help start a college in Prague for Irish Franciscan monks. This shows that even though they lived far from Ireland, they still cared about their Irish heritage and wanted to support education and religious life for their countrymen.

See also

• Fridolin of Säckingen
• Kilian of Cologne
• Francis Stuart
• Jessica Kürten