George Bourchier (Elizabethan soldier) facts for kids
Sir George Bourchier (born around 1535, died 1605) was an English soldier. He moved to Ireland and became an important person there. He was part of the Privy Council of Ireland, which was a group of advisors to the ruler. He was also a member of the Irish Parliament, helping to make laws.
Life and Work in Ireland
George Bourchier was the third son of John Bourchier, 2nd Earl of Bath. His mother was Eleanor Manners. In 1570, George went to western Ireland as a captain in the army. He stayed there during the Desmond Rebellions, which were a series of fights.
In 1573, he was captured by James FitzMaurice FitzGerald. He was later set free after a meeting near Waterford. In September 1579, he was made a knight by Sir William Drury, who was the Lord Justice of Ireland.
Sir George continued to lead soldiers. He was chosen to be a Member of Parliament for King's County from 1585 to 1586. Later, in 1592, he became the Master of the Ordnance for Ireland. This meant he was in charge of weapons and military supplies. He also served as a Privy Councillor for Ireland.
In 1589, Sir George was given a large area of land in County Limerick. It was about 12,800 acres (52 square kilometers).
One of his most important actions was helping to create Trinity College Dublin. In 1591, he was one of seven people who signed a letter to the English government. This letter supported the idea of building a university in Dublin. The city offered 28 acres (113,000 square meters) of land for the new school. Trinity College Dublin was officially started on March 3, 1592. Sir George Bourchier is listed as an original founder and helper. He gave £30 twice to support the new university.
Sir George Bourchier passed away on September 24, 1605.
Family Life
George Bourchier married Martha Howard (born around 1555, died 1598). Her father was William, the first Lord Howard of Effingham. Martha's brother was Charles Lord Howard of Effingham, who was a very important naval leader.
George and Martha had several sons. Two of their sons, Charles (who died in 1584) and Frederick-Philip (who died in 1587), are buried in St. Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny.
Their first three sons died when they were young. Their fourth son, Sir John Bourchier, became a knight in 1611. He owned land in County Armagh and was a Member of Parliament for that area. He died in 1614.
After Sir John's death, his younger brother Henry inherited a lot of land in Ireland. Henry was the fifth son. He received over 18,000 acres (73 square kilometers) from his father and brother. Later, in 1637, Henry became the 5th Earl of Bath. This meant he also inherited more land in England, including 36 estates in Devon and Somerset.
