John Barnewall (recorder) facts for kids

Sir John Barnewall (born around 1635, died around 1705) was an important Irish person who owned land and worked as a barrister (a type of lawyer). He also became a judge, holding several important jobs, including the Recorder of Dublin from 1687 to 1689.

Sir John Barnewall's Early Life

John Barnewall was born in County Meath, Ireland. He belonged to a well-known family called the Barnewalls. This family held a special title, Baron Trimlestown. His grandfather, Sir Patrick Barnewall, was the first person in their family to be called a Baronet. John was the second son of Sir Richard Barnewall, who was the 2nd Baronet. His mother was Julia, whose father was Sir Gerald Aylmer, 1st Baronet of Donadea in County Kildare.

His Career as a Lawyer and Judge

John Barnewall began studying law in London in 1673. He then continued his legal studies in Ireland in 1678. He became a very successful lawyer. Even though his father had lost a lot of money during the English Civil War, John earned enough to buy a large home called Ballybrittan Castle. This castle was located near Edenderry in County Offaly.

The Barnewall family was known for being Roman Catholics. Because of this, King James II, who was also Catholic, chose John to be a judge. In 1687, John was made a knight, which meant he was given the title "Sir." He then became the Third Serjeant and the Recorder of Dublin. In 1689, he became a Baron of the Court of Exchequer (Ireland), which was a high court.

After King James II lost power following the Battle of the Boyne, John Barnewall was removed from his judge positions. However, because he was wealthy and had strong family connections, he was not punished further by the new government. The new leaders wanted to be fair to those who had supported King James, as long as they promised to keep the peace.

Family and Descendants

Sir John Barnewall married Thomasine Preston. She was the daughter of Anthony Preston, 2nd Viscount Tara. John and Thomasine had one daughter named Mary (sometimes called Margaret). In 1703, Mary married her cousin, John Barnewall, who became the 11th Baron Trimlestown.

Lord Trimlestown passed away in 1746, and Mary lived to be very old, passing away in 1771. They had ten children together, including:

• Robert Barnewall, 12th Baron Trimlestown (born around 1704, died 1779).
• Anthony Barnewall (1721-1739), who was an army officer. People said he was a very promising young man. He joined the Austrian army and was sadly killed at the young age of eighteen. This happened during the Battle of Grocka, where the Ottoman Sultan won a big victory and took control of Belgrade.
• Richard, who was the father of Nicholas, the 14th Baron Trimlestown.
• Margaret, who married James Butler, 8th Viscount Mountgarret.
• Thomasine, who married Janico Preston, 10th Viscount Gormanston.
• Bridget, who married Robert Martyn of Ballynahinch Castle.