Henry Colley (died 1584) facts for kids

Sir Henry Colley, also known as Cowley (who died in 1584), was an important Irish soldier and landowner. He lived during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Today, he is mostly remembered because he was an ancestor of the famous 1st Duke of Wellington.

Sir Henry Colley's Early Life

We don't know much about Sir Henry Colley's early years. We do know that his father was Walter Cowley (born around 1489, died 1558). Walter was the main lawyer for Ireland, called the Principal Solicitor for Ireland.

Henry's grandfather was Robert Cowley (born around 1470). Robert held a high position as the Master of the Rolls in Ireland. The Colley/Cowley family came from a place called Glaston in England. They were important landowners there since about 1480.

Robert and his son, Walter, moved from Glaston to Ireland around 1512. Both Robert and Walter became very successful. This was thanks to the support of a powerful man named Thomas Cromwell.

However, when Cromwell lost his power, it was bad for the Colleys. Both Robert and Walter lost their jobs. They were even put in prison in England for a while.

Walter Colley was born around 1489. In his later years, his father Robert got back into the Queen's good favor. He was made Surveyor-General for Ireland. Walter likely inherited a good amount of wealth when his father died in 1558.

This wealth helped Henry. On September 3, 1538, he was able to rent Carbury Castle, County Kildare for 31 years. Later, on September 4, 1569, Queen Elizabeth gave him the ownership of Carbury Castle.

Sir Henry Colley's Career and Duties

Henry's good qualities caught the eye of Sir Henry Sidney. Sir Henry Sidney was the Lord Deputy of Ireland, a very important leader. Sidney later said that Henry Colley was "valiant, fortunate and a good servant." This means he was brave, lucky, and loyal.

In 1560, Henry Colley was made a knight. He was also given special power to gather soldiers in Kildare. He could also use martial law in Offaly and nearby areas. Martial law means military rule, used in emergencies.

He was a member of the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of advisors to the Queen's representative in Ireland. He also served on the Court of Castle Chamber. This court was similar to the Star Chamber in England.

For many years, Henry's main job was to keep peace in County Offaly. In 1580, Sir Henry Sidney spoke highly of Henry Colley. Sidney called him "as good a border-keeper as I have ever met." He said Henry had kept Offaly peaceful for many years. Sidney also said Henry was a "sound and fast friend" to him.

A year earlier, another leader, Sir Nicholas Malby, had written about Colley. Malby said that while Colley had kept Offaly peaceful, he was now "sorely oppressed by rebels." This means rebels were causing him a lot of trouble.

In his final years, Henry Colley became unwell. He was described as being "blind and helpless." He passed away in the early autumn of 1584.

Sir Henry Colley's Family

Sir Henry Colley married Catherine Cusack. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Cusack, who was the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. Catherine's mother was a Wellesley. The Colley family later adopted the Wellesley surname in the 1700s.

After Henry died, Catherine married William Eustace. She passed away in 1598. Henry and Catherine had eight children together:

• Sir George Colley/Cowley of Edenderry (born 1561, died 1614). He married Margaret Loftus and then Eleanor Loftus.
• Sir Henry Colley (died 1601). He married Anne Loftus, who was the daughter of Adam Loftus. Adam Loftus was the Archbishop of Armagh. Sir Henry and Anne were the grandparents of Dudley Colley. Dudley Colley was a direct ancestor of the Duke of Wellington.
• Gerald/Garrett Cooley (Esquire) of Ardree, Louth County, Ireland (died 1603).
• Dudley (born around 1570) from Rakenny Townland, Cavan County, Ireland.
• Walter Colley (born around 1583). He was a Seneschal (a type of official) of Wexford.
• Christopher Colley (born around 1573).
• Eleanor Colley (born around 1576). She married Robert Talbot of Templeogue. She was the mother of John Talbot and Sir Henry Talbot.
• Mary Colley (died 1654). She first married Garret Moore, 1st Viscount Moore. They had twelve children. She then married Charles Wilmot, 1st Viscount Wilmot.

Images for kids

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  Carbury Castle, a place important to Sir Henry Colley.