John de Bermingham, 1st Earl of Louth facts for kids

John de Bermingham was an important Irish leader who lived in the 1300s. He was known as the 1st and last Earl of Louth. He played a big role in a major conflict called the Irish Bruce Wars 1315–1318. He was also a top official in Ireland for a short time.

Who Was John de Bermingham?

John de Bermingham was the son of Piers FitzJames MacPhioris de Bermingham and Ela de Odingsells. In 1308, he was supposed to marry Matilda de Burgh. However, he ended up marrying her sister, Aveline de Burgh. Both sisters were daughters of Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster, a powerful leader.

Early Life and Family

In 1312, John de Bermingham became a knight. This was a special honor given by the Lord Deputy of Ireland. He and Aveline had three children. Their son, Richard, Lord Ardee, sadly passed away in 1322. Their daughter Catherine married Edmund Lacy. Their other daughter, Maud, married Sir William Tealing. In 1320, the Pope officially approved his marriage to Aveline.

A Brave Commander

John de Bermingham became the commander of the English army in Ireland in 1318. He led his forces in a very important battle.

The Battle of Faughart

On October 14, 1318, John de Bermingham commanded the army loyal to King Edward II of England. They fought against an army led by Edward Bruce. Bruce had been crowned High King of Ireland. This battle, known as the Battle of Faughart, was a turning point in the Irish Bruce Wars. Edward Bruce was killed during the battle. As a result, Bermingham sent Bruce's body to England to be shown to King Edward II.

Rewards and New Roles

For his great service in defeating the Scots, King Edward II rewarded John de Bermingham. On May 12, 1319, he was made the 1st Earl of Louth. He was also given land at Ardee. The King also granted him the county of Louth to control as a special area called a Liberty. This meant he had special powers to govern that region.

In 1320, he led his army into Connacht. There, they fought against the O'Connors and the MacKellys. From May 21, 1321, to November 18, 1323, he held the important position of Justiciar of Ireland. This role was like being the King's chief representative and judge in Ireland.

In 1322, he traveled to England to help King Edward II. He brought with him a large force of soldiers. This included 300 men-at-arms, 1,000 hobilars (light cavalry), and 6,000 foot soldiers. They went to help the King fight against the Scots.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1325, John de Bermingham helped establish a Franciscan priory (a type of monastery) at Monasteroris, County Offaly.

Sadly, John de Bermingham was killed on June 13, 1329. This happened during a conflict among Anglo-Irish families in Louth. About 200 members of his family and household were also killed in this event, known as the Braganstown massacre. With his death, the title of Earl of Louth ended. The special control he had over Louth was then taken by Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March.

The title of Earl of Louth was created again much later, in 1749. This was for a distant relative named Thomas Bermingham, 1st Earl of Louth. However, this title also ended when he died in 1799.