John Smith de Burgh, 11th Earl of Clanricarde facts for kids

John Smith de Burgh, 11th Earl of Clanricarde (born John Smith Burke, November 11, 1720 – April 21, 1782) was an important Irish nobleman. He was known as Lord Dunkellin until 1726. He became the Earl of Clanricarde when he was just six years old.

Life of John Smith de Burgh

John Smith Burke was born in 1720. His parents were Michael Burke, 10th Earl of Clanricarde, and Anne Smith. He was their fourth and last child. He had two older sisters. His older brother had passed away when he was a baby.

When his father died in 1726, John became the Earl of Clanricarde. He was only six years old at the time.

Education and Achievements

John Smith de Burgh went to Winchester College for his education. In 1753, he was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a group of very smart people who are leaders in science. He also became a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. This group focuses on history and old things.

For a short time in 1761, he was a Privy Counsellor of Ireland. This meant he was an advisor to the government. He passed away in April 1782 at Portumna Castle in County Galway. He was buried in a special place in Athenry.

Portumna Castle in Ireland.

Family Life and Name Change

In 1740, John Smith de Burgh married Hester Amelia Vincent. She was the daughter of Sir Henry Vincent, a well-known person from Stoke d'Abernon.

Changing the Family Name

In 1752, the family decided to change their last name. They went back to an older family name, de Burgh. This name had been used by their family many centuries ago. The name de Burgh was later changed in the Irish language to de Búrca, and then to Búrc, and finally to Burke.

Children of the Earl

John and Hester had four children:

• Lady Hester Amelia de Burgh, who married William Trenchard.
• Lady Margaret Augusta de Burgh, who married Luke Dillon.
• Henry de Burgh, 1st Marquess of Clanricarde.
• General John Thomas de Burgh, 13th Earl of Clanricarde.

Honours and Family Arms

John Smith de Burgh received an honour in 1761. He was made a Privy Counsellor of Ireland.

Arms of John Smith de Burgh, 11th Earl of Clanricarde

Crest A Cat-a-Mountain sejant guardant proper, collared and chained Or. Escutcheon Or, a cross gules in the first quarter a lion rampant sable. Supporters Two Cats-a-Mountain sejant guardant proper, collared and chained Or. Motto UNG ROY, UNG FOY, UNG LOY (One king, one faith, one law)

The family's motto is UNG ROY, UNG FOY, UNG LOY. This means One king, one faith, one law.