John Burke, Baron Leitrim facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John "na Seamar" Burke
Baron Leitrim |
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| Seán mac an Iarla a Búrc | |
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Arms of de Burgh/Burke of Clanricarde:
Or, a cross gules in the first quarter a lion rampant sable |
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Children | Redmond Burke, Baron Leitrim William Burke John Oge Burke Tomás Burke |
| Parent(s) | Richard Burke, 2nd Earl of Clanricarde |
| Relatives | Ulick (brother) |
John "na Seamar" Burke, Baron Leitrim (in Irish: Seán mac an Iarla a Búrc; died 1583) was also known as John of the Shamrocks. He was one of several half-brothers known as the meic an Iarla, which means 'sons of the earl'.
These brothers often fought with each other and their father, Richard Burke, 2nd Earl of Clanricarde. Their conflicts caused a lot of damage in south Connacht, Ireland, during the late 1560s and early 1580s.
Who Was John Burke?
John Burke was the son of Richard Burke, the 2nd Earl of Clanricarde. Richard had many marriages. John's mother was from one of Richard's later marriages. These marriages were seen as valid under old Gaelic law. However, they were not recognized by English common law, which was becoming more important in Ireland at the time.
Family Rivalries
Richard's oldest son from his first marriage was Ulick. John was his father's chosen heir, meaning Richard wanted John to take over after him. But because John's parents' marriage wasn't recognized by English law, he was considered "illegitimate" (not born within a legally recognized marriage) in the Irish Peerage (the system of noble titles). This meant that the important title of Earl of Clanricarde would go to Ulick instead of John.
Another rival was William, Richard's son from a third marriage. This family rivalry happened during a time of big changes in Ireland. The English government was trying to take more control of Ireland, a period known as the Tudor reconquest of Ireland. There were also new laws about land ownership (the Composition of Connacht) and big changes in religion (the Irish Reformation). All these events created a complicated background for the family's conflicts.
Major Actions and Conflicts
One of John Burke's most famous actions was the destruction of Athenry in 1572. After this, he tore down most of the castles in the area called Clanricarde.
He then plundered, or raided, south County Galway and County Roscommon. He even crossed the Shannon River into County Westmeath. There, he burned down towns like Mullingar, Meelick, and Athlone. After these attacks, he led his army west. They attacked the city of Galway and raided the region of Connemara.
His Death and Children
John Burke was ambushed and killed by his brother Ulick on November 11, 1583. He was buried in Athenry.
John had at least four sons:
- Redmond Burke, Baron Leitrim: He became an important leader in a rebellion called the Nine Years' War.
- William Burke, Lord of Bealatury
- John Óge Burke
- Tomás Burke
