Edward MacLysaght facts for kids
Edward MacLysaght (born 6 November 1887, died 4 March 1986) was a very important historian in Ireland. He lived in the 1900s. He was a genealogist, which means he studied family histories and names. His many books about Irish surnames are still used today. He built on the work of earlier writers like Rev. Patrick Woulfe.
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Who Was Edward MacLysaght?
Edward MacLysaght was born in England, near Bristol, in 1887. His father, Sidney Royse Lysaght, was from Ireland. He worked for a steel company and was also a writer. Edward's family had Irish roots, though they were distantly related to some important families.
Edward was first named Edgeworth Lysaght. He later added "Edward" and "Anthony" to his name. In 1920, he changed his last name to "MacLysaght". This was to show its original Gaelic (Irish) spelling.
Early School Days
Edward went to Nash House school and then Rugby School. He did not enjoy his time at Rugby. His parents often traveled for his father's business. This meant they were away a lot.
He later went to Corpus Christi College, Oxford to study law. However, he decided to leave after a short time.
Life in Ireland
Edward MacLysaght loved Ireland. He moved to Lahinch, County Clare, and lived in a caravan for a while. He made friends with local people there.
In 1909, his father bought a large farm in Tuamgraney, County Clare. Edward started farming there. He brought in new ideas like an electrical generator. He also set up a school to teach young men about farming.
Becoming More Irish
Edward, though raised in England, felt a strong connection to Ireland. He did not like the rich landowners in the area. Instead, he preferred to be friends with his workers and neighbors. He worked hard to learn the Irish accent. He also became a Catholic and joined the Gaelic League. This group worked to promote the Irish language and culture.
In 1913, Edward married Mabel Pattison. She was from South Africa but had Irish family. Mabel helped him meet new friends in Dublin's art and literature scene. Edward even published a book of poems called Irish Eclogues.
Supporting Irish Independence
Edward's love for Ireland grew stronger. By 1915, he spoke Irish very well. He even started a new Irish-speaking area called Nua-Ghaeltacht.
He became very involved in the movement for Irish independence. He was part of the Irish Convention in 1917-18. He did not agree with the plan for Home Rule at that time.
Edward was a strong supporter of the Irish War of Independence. He helped the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in County Clare. He gave them money and other help. His farm office was even used as a meeting place for Irish Volunteers. Guns and important papers were stored there.
Because of his support, his farm suffered during the war. He was also arrested and put in prison for a time. This happened after he returned from Britain, where he had spoken about the troubles in Ireland.
Later Life and Work
After the war, Edward MacLysaght continued to serve Ireland.
- In 1922, he was elected to the Irish Senate.
- In 1938, he became an Inspector for the Irish Manuscripts Commission. This group looks after old Irish writings.
- He was elected to the Royal Irish Academy in 1942.
- From 1943 to 1954, he was the Chief Herald of Ireland. This important job involves creating and keeping track of family crests and coats of arms.
- He also worked at the National Library of Ireland. He was in charge of manuscripts (old handwritten documents) from 1948 to 1954.
- From 1956 to 1973, he led the Irish Manuscripts Commission.
Edward MacLysaght died on 4 March 1986. He was 98 years old. He is buried in Saint Cronan's Church in Tuamgraney.
What Did He Write?
Edward MacLysaght wrote many important books about Irish history and names. Some of his famous works include:
- Irish Life in the Seventeenth Century (1939)
- The Surnames of Ireland
- More Irish Families (which included his Supplement to Irish Families)
See also
- Heraldry
- Office of the Chief Herald of Ireland
