Richard Burke, 2nd Earl of Clanricarde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Clanricarde
|
|
|---|---|
| Born |
Richard Burke
|
| Died | 1582 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Partner(s) | Honora O'Brien |
| Children |
|
| Parent(s) |
|
Richard Burke, also known as Richard Sassanach Burke, was an important Irish noble. He became the 2nd Earl of Clanricarde after his father, Ulick na gCeann Burke, passed away. Richard was in charge of a powerful family that controlled a large part of what is now County Galway in Ireland.
His nickname, Sassanach, means "Englishman". He got this name because he supported the English side during the Tudor reconquest of Ireland. This was a time when England was trying to take more control over Ireland.
Richard's mother was Grace O'Carroll. His father, Ulick, had many wives, so there were other people who wanted to become Earl. But Richard was the oldest son who was considered legitimate under English law. This made him the rightful successor. He often faced challenges from his brothers and half-brothers. One of them, John, tried to claim the title in 1568.
Richard worked to make his family's power stronger. He gained control over more land in eastern County Galway. He also became the leader over the O'Shaughnessy family in the south. Richard made alliances with other important families like the O'Conor Don and the O'Briens. These alliances helped him avoid conflicts with other powerful groups. In 1559, Richard fought in the Battle of Spancel Hill. His side lost this battle, which was part of a dispute over who would lead the O'Brien family.
The Mac an Iarla War
Around 1570, Richard's own sons started a rebellion against him. They also fought against the English government in Ireland. This period was known as the Mac an Iarla War. Mac an Iarla means "son of the earl" in Irish.
This war caused a lot of damage across County Galway. Towns like Galway, Athenry, and Loughrea were badly affected. Some of the major battles and events during this time included:
- 1572 – The first attack on Athenry
- 1573 – A battle at Beal an Chip
- 1577 – The second attack on Athenry
- 1577 – A siege of Loughrea
- 1579 – A battle at Lisdalon
- 1580 – An attack on Loughrea
- 1580 – A battle at Cill Tuathail
Richard Burke faced many difficulties because of his sons' rebellion. He was even imprisoned in Dublin at one point. His sons often betrayed him. After Richard died in 1582, the fighting stopped. His son Ulick killed his brother John and then became the 3rd Earl of Clanricarde.
Family Life
Richard Burke was married three times and had several children. He had at least five sons and three daughters.
His first marriage was to Margaret O'Brien in 1548. They later separated. Their children included:
- Ulick Burke, who became the 3rd Earl of Clanricarde.
- Mary Burke.
His second marriage was to another Margaret O'Brien in 1553. Their children included:
- John of the Shamrocks, who was killed in 1583.
- Mary de Burgh.
- Other sons and daughters whose names are not fully known.
His third marriage was to Julia MacCarthy in 1568. Their son was:
- William mac an Iarla Burke, who died in 1580.
Richard also had children with other women, including Honora O'Brien. Their children included:
- Margaret de Burgh.
- Richard 'Og' Bourke.
Family Symbol
.png) |
|
Sources
- Portumna Castle and its Lords, Michael Mac Mahon, 1983.
- Burke:People and Places, Eamon Bourke, Dublin, 1995.
- From Warlords to Landlords:Political and Social Change in Galway 1540–1640, Bernadette Cunningham, in "Galway:History and Society", 1996.
- Burke (de Burgh), Richard, Terry Clavin, in Dictionary of Irish Biography ... to the Year 2002, pp. 48–53, Cambridge, 2010
| Peerage of Ireland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Ulick na gCeann Burke |
Earl of Clanricarde 1544–1582 |
Succeeded by Ulick Burke |
