John Butler, 6th Earl of Ormond facts for kids

John Butler, 6th Earl of Ormond (born 1422, died 14 December 1476) was a very important person in his time. People thought he was one of the finest gentlemen. He also worked as an ambassador, representing his country in major European courts.

Family Life

John Butler was the second son of James Butler, 4th Earl of Ormond. His mother was Joan de Beauchamp. He had an older brother, James Butler, 5th Earl of Ormond. He also had a younger brother, Thomas Butler, 7th Earl of Ormond. John had two sisters. One was Elizabeth Butler, who married John Talbot, 2nd Earl of Shrewsbury. The other was Anne Butler, who was supposed to marry Thomas FitzGerald, 7th Earl of Desmond. However, that marriage did not happen.

His Career and Adventures

The Wars of the Roses

John Butler supported the Lancastrian side during the Wars of the Roses. This was a series of wars fought in England. He was at the Battle of Towton in 1461. His older brother was killed during this battle. After this big defeat, John had to go into hiding.

He found safety in either Cumbria or Scotland. Then he went to Ireland. In Tipperary and Kilkenny, many people still supported his cause. He gathered an army there. But he was met by Thomas FitzGerald, 7th Earl of Desmond. Desmond was a leader who supported the Yorkist side.

The two armies fought at the Battle of Piltown in 1462. The Yorkists won this battle. Ormond's army lost more than a thousand soldiers.

Later, King Edward IV brought John Butler back into favor. The King had previously taken away his titles because of his role in the Battle of Towton. King Edward IV reportedly said that John Butler had excellent manners and skills. He was also very good at speaking different European languages. Because of this, he was sent as an ambassador to many important courts across Europe. An ambassador is someone who represents their country in another country.

Children

It is believed that John Butler died while on a religious journey in the Holy Land. This happened before June 15, 1477, possibly on December 14, 1476. He never officially married. However, he had three sons with Reynalda O'Brien. She was the daughter of Turlogh "The Brown" O'Brien, who was a King of Thomond.

His sons were:

• Sir James Ormond (1462-1497). He was expected to inherit the Earldom of Ormond. He died in a conflict.
• John Ormond (1462 - October 5, 1503). He married Joan Chaworth and had three daughters.
• Edward Ormond (born 1450).

After John Butler's death, his younger brother, Thomas Butler, 7th Earl of Ormond, became the next Earl.

See also

• Butler dynasty