Lucas Dillon (judge) facts for kids

Sir Lucas Dillon (who died in 1593), also known as Luke, was an important Irish barrister (a type of lawyer) and judge during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. He held important jobs like Attorney General for Ireland and Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer. He was a strong supporter of the Queen's representatives in Ireland, known as Lord Deputies, like Henry Sidney and John Perrot. Queen Elizabeth thought very highly of him, even though some people accused him of being unfair or corrupt.

Early Life and Family

Lucas Dillon was born around 1529 or 1530. He was the oldest son of Sir Robert Dillon and his wife, Genet Barnewall. His father was also a judge, becoming the Chief Justice of the Irish Common Pleas in 1558.

Lucas's family, the Dillons, were part of the "Old English" community in Ireland. This means they were descendants of the Normans who came to Ireland with Prince John in 1185. His mother's family, the Barnewalls, were also "Old English."

Lucas had three brothers and three sisters.

Becoming a Lawyer

In 1561, Lucas went to London to study law at a famous school called the Middle Temple. After finishing his studies, he became a lawyer and returned to Ireland to work. He quickly became successful in his legal career. In 1565, he was made the Principal Solicitor for Ireland, which is a high legal position.

He bought land near Trim, County Meath, where he built a house called Moymet House. He also owned land in County Cavan and a house in Dublin.

First Marriage and Children

Around 1565, Lucas Dillon married Jane Bathe. Her father, James Bathe, was also a judge and held the same job Lucas would later have: Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer.

Lucas and Jane had seven sons and five daughters:

• Sons:
  • James (born around 1570, died 1641), who later became the 1st Earl of Roscommon in 1622.
  • Henry (died 1609)
  • Christopher
  • Oliver
  • Alexander
  • John
  • Robert
• Daughters:
  • Genet, who married Christopher Plunkett, 9th Baron Killeeen.
  • Eleanor (died 1607), who married Robert Rochfort.
  • Elizabeth
  • Margaret, who married John Sarsfield.
  • Anne, who married Richard Plunket.

Rising in the Legal World

On November 8, 1566, Lucas Dillon was promoted to Attorney General for Ireland. This is a very important lawyer who advises the government.

Serving in Parliament

From 1569 to 1571, he was a member of the Irish House of Commons. He represented County Meath in the Irish Parliament.

Becoming a Judge

In 1570, Lucas Dillon became the Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer, taking over from his father-in-law, James Bathe. This was a big promotion. Some other lawyers in Ireland wanted a different person for the job, but Queen Elizabeth I chose Lucas. She said he had a stronger claim to the position.

Lucas was known to be a private supporter of the Roman Catholic faith, even though the official religion of the country was the Church of Ireland. However, the Queen usually accepted judges who outwardly followed the official church, so his private beliefs didn't stop his career.

His Work as a Judge

For many years, Queen Elizabeth's government thought very highly of Lucas Dillon. Sir William Gerard, a top official in Ireland, said Lucas was a hard-working reformer. He was always present at important government meetings and in the Court of Castle Chamber, which was like a special court. He was seen as one of the best Irish judges at a time when many others were not considered very skilled.

Supporting Lord Deputy Sidney

Lucas Dillon was very close to Sir Henry Sidney, who was the Queen's main representative in Ireland, called the Lord Deputy. Sidney even called him "my faithful Dillon" and made him a knight in 1575.

Lucas was one of the few important people who supported Sidney during a disagreement about a tax called the "cess." This tax was meant to pay for soldiers and was very unpopular with the local landowners. Lucas was part of a group that could fine landowners who refused to pay, which made him quite disliked by some.

Like other officials, Lucas believed in using the common law (the legal system) to solve problems across all of Ireland. He preferred peaceful solutions but would follow the Queen's orders if tough measures were needed. He helped put down the Desmond Rebellions and another uprising led by William Nugent.

Second Marriage

In 1575, Lucas Dillon married for a second time to Marion Sherle. She was the widow of Sir Christopher Barnewall. Lucas and Marion did not have children together, but Marion had many daughters from her first marriage. One of her daughters, Eleanor, actually married Lucas's oldest son, James Dillon. Marion died in 1607 and was buried next to her first husband.

Later Years and Challenges

When his father died in 1579, Lucas inherited the family lands at Newtown.

The Nicholas Nugent Trial

Lucas Dillon's reputation faced a big challenge in 1582. He was a judge in the trial of Nicholas Nugent, who was accused of treason (betraying the Queen). Nicholas Nugent was related to William Nugent, who had led a rebellion. There was a long-standing disagreement between the Nugent and Dillon families.

Many people felt that Lucas and his cousin, Robert Dillon, should not have been judges in this trial because of the family feud. One of the accusations against Nicholas Nugent was that he had planned to harm the Dillons. The trial ended with Nicholas Nugent being found guilty, which caused a lot of public concern and made some people question if Irish judges could be fair.

For a while, Queen Elizabeth was less favorable towards Lucas. However, after he visited London and met with her several times, he regained her trust. He was even offered the job of Lord Chief Justice of Ireland, but he turned it down.

Facing Accusations

By this time, Lucas Dillon had made some powerful enemies. However, he also had friends, including the new Lord Deputy, Sir John Perrot, who started his job in 1584. Some people suggested Lucas could become Lord Chancellor of Ireland, but his critics claimed he was too corrupt.

As Lord Deputy Perrot faced more difficulties, Lucas, as his ally, also came under attack. Adam Loftus, the Archbishop of Dublin, accused Lucas of being a "recusant" (someone who didn't attend official church services) and said he was "very corrupt." The accusation about his religion was partly true, as Lucas was known to favor the old Catholic faith.

Even though he was never charged with a crime, the stress of defending himself against these accusations is thought to have contributed to his declining health.

Effigies of Sir Lucas Dillon and his 1st wife, Jane Bathe, Newtown Abbey

Death and Burial

Lucas Dillon died on February 17, 1593, in Dublin. Sir Robert Napier took over his role as Chief Baron of the Exchequer.

He was buried next to his first wife, Jane Bathe, in the Clonburn parish church, which is now a ruin near Newtown Abbey in County Meath. Their tomb has statues of them lying down, separated by what looks like a sword. This tomb is sometimes called "the tomb of the jealous man and woman."

His Legacy

Historians have different opinions about Lucas Dillon's time as a judge and statesman. Some point to the accusations of unfairness and corruption against him, especially during the Nicholas Nugent trial. Others praise his talent and hard work, noting that many important officials, including Queen Elizabeth herself, thought highly of him. It's clear he was a very important figure in Irish law and government during his time.

Images for kids

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  Effigies of Sir Lucas Dillon and his 1st wife, Jane Bathe, Newtown Abbey