Elizabeth Preston, Countess of Desmond facts for kids

Elizabeth Preston, Countess of Desmond (born Elizabeth Butler; around 1585 – 1628) was an important noblewoman in Ireland and England. She was the only daughter of Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond, known as Black Tom. Her marriage and the land she inherited were influenced by King James I. The king wanted to make sure her father's lands didn't go to his Catholic cousin, Walter Butler, but instead to a Scottish friend of the king, Richard Preston.

Early Life and Family

Elizabeth was born around 1585, probably at Ormond Castle in Carrick-on-Suir, Ireland. She was the only child of Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond, also called Black Tom, and his second wife, Elizabeth Sheffield.

Her father, the 10th Earl of Ormond, was the leader of the Butler dynasty. This was an "Old English" family, meaning they were descendants of Normans who came to Ireland long ago. Their ancestor, Theobald Walter, was made Chief Butler of Ireland by King Henry II in 1177. Elizabeth's father had been married before, but that marriage had no children.

Elizabeth's mother, Elizabeth Sheffield, was English. Her parents, Elizabeth and Thomas, were both Protestant. They got married in London in 1582.

Elizabeth spent some of her childhood in England because her father was important at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. She likely lived with her mother in London before moving back to Ireland in 1593.

It's thought that Elizabeth hoped to marry an important English lord one day. Marriages back then were often used to create strong political connections and help families gain more power. However, her plans changed after 1596 when some of her cousins rebelled against the king. Elizabeth's mother died in 1600.

First Marriage

Elizabeth's father, Black Tom, had no sons who lived. This meant his title and lands were supposed to go to his younger brother, Sir Edmund Butler of Cloughgrenan. But Edmund and his sons had rebelled against the crown. Two of Edmund's sons were even killed during a rebellion in 1596.

Edmund's youngest son, Theobald, was too young to have been involved in the rebellion. So, Black Tom decided that Theobald should be his heir instead. To keep his lands and title together, Black Tom planned for Elizabeth to marry Theobald.

Elizabeth was taught how to act in front of the Queen. In 1602, she met Queen Elizabeth I at Whitehall Palace, hoping to get the Queen's approval for her marriage. The Queen was reportedly very impressed by Elizabeth.

Since Theobald was Elizabeth's first cousin, her father needed special permission from the Queen for them to marry. Queen Elizabeth I gave this permission in January 1603, shortly before she died. The new king, James I, then made Theobald a Viscount. Elizabeth and Theobald married in 1603, and she became Viscountess Tulleophelim.

Theobald was not rich or powerful on his own. He expected Black Tom to support them financially, but Black Tom was not very generous. Theobald blamed Elizabeth for their money problems. They did not have any children.

In 1613, Theobald died unexpectedly. He had built up many debts, expecting to inherit Black Tom's wealth. Now, Elizabeth was responsible for these debts, but without the income from the Ormond lands. After Theobald's death, Walter Butler, a cousin, became the next in line to inherit Black Tom's title.

Second Marriage and Child

Now without much money, Elizabeth needed to find another husband. In 1614, she married Sir Richard Preston, Lord Dingwall. He was a Scottish courtier and a friend of King James I. Elizabeth's father did not approve of this marriage. She became Lady Dingwall.

Elizabeth and Richard had one child:

• Elizabeth (1615–1684), who later married her cousin, James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormond.

Elizabeth's father, Black Tom, the 10th Earl, died soon after her second marriage in November 1614. His nephew, Walter Butler, became the 11th Earl of Ormond. Black Tom had left almost all his possessions to Walter. However, Lord Dingwall challenged this will on Elizabeth's behalf. Because Lord Dingwall was a favorite of King James, the king helped to change the will. In 1618, Elizabeth and her husband were given more than half of the Ormond lands, including Kilkenny Castle. It took several years for them to actually move in because Walter's lawyers tried to stop them.

In 1619, Lord Dingwall was given new titles: Baron Dunmore and the 1st Earl of Desmond. This meant Elizabeth became Baroness Dunmore and Countess of Desmond. When the ownership of Kilkenny Castle was finally settled in 1623, Elizabeth returned to find the castle neglected and some family treasures missing.

Later, her husband supported a man who claimed to be the rightful heir to the Ormond title, saying he was a son of one of the rebellious cousins. This caused a lot of trouble within the family. Because of this, Elizabeth left Ireland in August 1624 and never returned.

Death and Timeline

Elizabeth, Lady Dingwall, died on 10 October 1628 in Wales. She was buried in Westminster Abbey. Her husband, Richard Preston, drowned at sea while on his way to her funeral.

Their daughter, Elizabeth Preston, later married her cousin, James Butler. He would become the 12th Earl and first Duke of Ormond.

See also

• History of Ireland (1536–1691)