Mary Burke (consort) facts for kids

Lady Mary Burke (born around 1560 – died around 1627) was an important Irish noblewoman. She was known for being the wife of Brian O'Rourke, a powerful Irish leader. Mary Burke also worked hard to protect her family's rights and lands during a time of big changes in Ireland. She showed great loyalty to the English Crown, especially Queen Elizabeth I.

Lady Mary Burke's Early Life

Lady Mary Burke was born around the year 1560. Her father was Richard Burke, 2nd Earl of Clanricarde, a powerful Irish nobleman. Her mother was Margaret O'Brien. Mary was also known by other names, like Lady Mary Ny Vryen or Lady Mary Ní Bhriain. These names came from her mother's family.

First Marriage and Family

Around 1575 or 1576, Mary Burke married Brian O'Rourke. He was a very influential leader in Ireland. Mary was a strong supporter of Queen Elizabeth I of England. Her husband, Brian, often took part in rebellious activities against the English Crown.

Because of her husband's actions, Mary decided to leave him. This happened shortly after their son, Teigue, was born. They also had two other sons named Art and Eogan.

Later Marriages and Challenges

After leaving Brian O'Rourke, Mary hoped to marry John Fitzgerald. He was the brother of James FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Desmond. Sadly, John Fitzgerald was killed in 1582, so this marriage did not happen.

Instead, Mary married Theobald Burke. He was the oldest son of William Burke. Mary and Theobald had four sons together: John, Richard, Thomas, and Theobald. Two of their sons might have been twins. Theobald, her second husband, died in 1579 during a fight with James FitzMaurice FitzGerald.

Fighting for Her Family's Rights

After becoming a widow, Mary Burke worked very hard to secure rights and lands for her family. In 1580, she was given control of her husband's lands and care of their son, John.

In 1582, Mary complained to the Irish privy council. This was a group of advisors to the English ruler in Ireland. She said that rebels had made her and her tenants (people who rented land from her) very poor. She had to live in Limerick town because of this.

Mary also asked for a payment for the capture of James Fitzmaurice. She was living in poverty in Limerick at the time. By July 1582, she received 1,000 marks. This was a large sum of money given to her for her help.

Children's Loyalty to England

Mary stayed in Limerick, and her son Teigue was educated there in 1592. Mary's influence helped Teigue stay loyal to England. This was especially important during the Nine Years' War, a major conflict in Ireland.

Because of his loyalty, King James I granted Teigue three castles and a large amount of land in County Leitrim in 1603. Mary's other children also remained loyal to England.

Sadly, her son John died when he was very young. In 1600, Richard and Thomas were killed in a skirmish. Theobald, her only surviving son from her second marriage, was favored by King James I. The King gave him large areas of land across Ireland. He also created a special title for him: Baron Bourke of Brittas.

Final Marriage and Later Years

Mary Burke married a third time to Sir John Moore. He was from Bryes, County Mayo. They had at least two daughters, Mary and Cicely.

In 1611, Mary and Sir John made plans for Moore's family. Sir John gave his lands to Donogh O'Brien, 4th Earl of Thomond, for the use of his younger son, John Moore. Mary and Sir John kept the castle of Clonbigney and some land in County Mayo for themselves during their lives.

The exact date of Lady Mary Burke's death is not known. However, it is believed she passed away in the late 1620s.