Early Barons Inchiquin facts for kids
The Barons Inchiquin were important leaders in Ireland between 1543 and 1654. This special title was first given to Murrough O'Brien. He was the brother of Conor O'Brien, who was the King of Thomond. Murrough received the title when he gave up his Irish kingship to King Henry VIII in 1543. His family kept this title until 1654. That's when Murrough O'Brien, the 6th Baron Inchiquin, was made an Earl.
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Murrough O'Brien, The First Baron
Murrough O'Brien (who died in 1551) was the first Baron Inchiquin. He was also the first Earl of Thomond. His father was Turlogh O'Brien, a Prince of Thomond. Murrough became the leader of Thomond in 1540 after his brother Conor passed away.
However, he later gave up his power to King Henry VIII. This happened after the Irish Parliament passed a law in 1542. Murrough officially submitted to the King in London in 1543. That's when King Henry VIII gave him the new title of Earl.
Murrough O'Brien married Eleanor FitzGerald. After Murrough, his nephew Donough became the Earl of Thomond. Murrough's son, Dermod, became the 2nd Baron Inchiquin. Murrough also had other children named Donough, Teige, and Torlogh.
Dermod O'Brien, The Second Baron
Dermod O'Brien, 2nd Baron Inchiquin (who died on May 1, 1557) was the son of Murrough O'Brien, the first Baron. His mother was Eleanor FitzGerald. Dermod married Margaret O'Brien before 1550. Her parents were Donough O'Brien and Slany MacNamara. Dermod's son, Murrough McDermot, later became the 3rd Baron Inchiquin.
Murrough McDermot O'Brien, The Third Baron
Murrough McDermot O'Brien, 3rd Baron Inchiquin (1550–1574) was the son of Dermod O'Brien, the second Baron. His mother was Margaret O'Brien. He married Margaret Cusack. Her father was Thomas Cusack, who was a very important judge in Ireland.
Around 1559, many Irish leaders, including the O'Briens, did not speak English. They needed help to understand important speeches. The Earl of Ormonde often had to translate for them. Murrough McDermot's son, also named Murrough, became the 4th Baron Inchiquin.
Murrough O'Brien, The Fourth Baron
Murrough O'Brien, 4th Baron Inchiquin (1563–1597) was the son of Murrough McDermot O'Brien, the third Baron. His mother was Margaret Cusack. He married Mabel Nugent. She was the daughter of Christopher Nugent, the 5th Baron Delvin.
Murrough's son, Dermod, became the 5th Baron Inchiquin. Some records say that Murrough's father married Mabel Nugent. They also say that Murrough himself married Margaret Cusack. This Margaret was the daughter of Sir Thomas Cusack. Murrough and Margaret had children named Dermod, Teige, and Slaine.
Dermod O'Brien, The Fifth Baron
Dermod O'Brien, 5th Baron Inchiquin (born around November 1594, died December 2, 1624) was the son of Murrough O'Brien, the fourth Baron. His mother was Mabel Nugent. Dermod had a daughter named Honora. She married Anthony Stoughton from Rattoo, County Kerry.
Dermod O'Brien married Ellen FitzGerald. She was from a powerful family in Cloyne in County Cork. Their daughter, Mary, married Michael Boyle. He became a very important church leader. Dermod's son, Murrough, became the 6th Baron Inchiquin. He was later the first Earl of Inchiquin. Dermod also had other children: Henry and Christopher, and a daughter named Ann.
Murrough O'Brien, The Sixth Baron
Murrough O'Brien, 6th Baron Inchiquin (1618–1674) was the son of Dermod O'Brien, the fifth Baron. His mother was Ellen FitzGerald. When the Irish Rebellion of 1641 started, King Charles I made Murrough the governor of Munster.
In 1644, he had to join the Parliament's side. He was then made the President of Munster. But in 1648, O'Brien switched back to support King Charles I. He made the southern ports strong against Parliament. He also made a peace agreement with the Catholic leaders. He joined forces with James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde. Together, they took control of Drogheda and Dundalk.
However, Murrough faced the strong army of Oliver Cromwell. He moved to the west of Ireland and then left for France in 1650. In France, he became part of the King's council. In 1654, he was given the title of Earl of Inchiquin. He fought for the French army in 1654. In 1656, he became involved in a plan called the Sexby Plot. In the same year, he became a Roman Catholic.
In 1660, he was captured by pirates from Algiers. But he was set free later that year. He then became a high official in Queen Henrietta Maria's household. After 1663, he lived a quiet life in Ireland.
See also
- Baron Inchiquin
- List of monarchs of Thomond
