Elizabeth, Lady Thurles facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Butler née Poyntz
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| Lady Thurles | |
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| Born | 1587 Iron Acton |
| Died | May 1673 Thurles |
| Spouse(s) | Thomas Butler, Viscount Thurles |
| Issue Detail |
James, Richard, & others |
| Father | John Poyntz (died 1633) |
| Mother | Elizabeth Sydenham (died 1595) |
Elizabeth Poyntz (born 1587, died May 1673) was an important lady in Irish history. She was the second daughter of Sir John Poyntz and Elizabeth Sydenham. In 1608, she became Lady Thurles when she married Thomas Butler, Viscount Thurles. He was the son of Walter Butler, 11th Earl of Ormond. Some people say her father-in-law didn't approve of the marriage. This might have been because her own father, Sir John Poyntz, was not very good with money and ended up without any.
Contents
Life in Thurles
Elizabeth lived in Thurles Castle in Ireland for most of her life, from 1608 until she died in 1673. However, there was a short time, from 1658 to 1660, when she had to leave. This was during the time when Oliver Cromwell ruled England and Ireland. Elizabeth was a Catholic and supported the King, while Cromwell's forces were against the King.
During a big war in England and Ireland, Thurles Castle was held by the King's supporters. But later, the forces who supported Parliament took over the castle and tore it down. It's not completely clear if Elizabeth returned to the exact same castle building. She might have lived in a newer building on or near the old castle site, which was also called Thurles Castle.
Family Life
Elizabeth and Lord Thurles had three sons and four daughters. Sadly, Lord Thurles drowned on December 15, 1619. His ship sank near Anglesey in England. He was on his way to answer some serious accusations. This happened not long after his father had been put in prison.
After her first husband died, Lady Thurles married again around 1620. Her second husband was Captain George Mathew. With him, she had two more sons and one more daughter. Captain Mathew died in 1636. Elizabeth lived for another 37 years, passing away in Thurles in May 1673. She was buried next to the Protestant church of St. Mary's in Thurles.
Today, you can see an oil painting of Lady Thurles at the Tipperary County Library in Thurles.
Her Children and Grandchildren
Children from Her First Marriage
Her oldest son, James Butler, became a very important person. He was the 1st Duke of Ormonde and the King's chief representative in Ireland.
One of her daughters, Elizabeth Butler, married James Purcell. He was the 12th Baron of Loughmoe. Their son, Nicholas Purcell, became the 13th and last Baron.
Another daughter, Mary Butler (who died in 1675), married Sir George Hamilton.
Children from Her Second Marriage
One of the sons Elizabeth had with her second husband was also named George Mathew. He had a daughter named Frances Mary Mathew. In 1723, she married John Ryan. The Ryan family was one of the few Catholic families who still owned land in County Tipperary at that time. They lived at a place called Inch House.
