Richard Butler, 3rd Viscount Mountgarret facts for kids

Richard Butler, the 3rd Viscount Mountgarret (born 1578, died 1651), was an important figure in Irish history. He was the son of Edmund Butler, the 2nd Viscount Mountgarret. Richard is most famous for his role in the Irish Confederate Wars. During these wars, he supported the Irish Catholics who had formed a group called the Confederates.

His Family and Early Life

Richard Butler had a sister named Helen Butler. She married her second cousin, Walter Butler, 11th Earl of Ormond. Richard later had political disagreements with his grand-nephew, James Butler, who became the 12th Earl.

Richard's first wife was Margaret. She was the oldest daughter of Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone. At that time, Hugh O'Neill was a very powerful Roman Catholic leader in Ireland. Richard was known for defending the castles of Ballyragget and Cullihill.

When his father passed away in 1605, Richard officially received his family's lands. He also served in the Irish parliaments in 1613, 1615, and 1634. Richard's younger brother was John Butler.

Marriages and Children

With his first wife, Margaret O'Neill, Richard Butler had three sons and six daughters. One of his sons was Edmund Butler, 4th Viscount Mountgarret. One of his daughters, Margaret, married another member of the Butler family, Sir Walter Butler, 1st Baronet Polestown.

Viscount Mountgarret married two more times. His second wife was Thomasine (also called Elizabeth) Andrews. His third wife was Margaret Branthwaite. He did not have any children from these later marriages.

Role in the Irish Rebellion of 1641

In 1641, Richard Butler found himself in conflict with his powerful cousin, James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde. James was an Anglican, meaning he followed the Church of England.

At first, Richard seemed to support the government. He was even made a joint governor of Kilkenny with his cousin, the Earl of Ormonde. However, Richard worried that the rights of his fellow Catholics would be taken away.

Because of his concerns, he wrote a letter to the Earl of Ormonde. Then, he took control of Kilkenny for the Confederates. He tried to keep Protestants safe and protect their property. At the same time, he worked hard for the side he believed in.

Richard sent groups of soldiers to take over other nearby towns. They were very successful. Within a week, the Confederates controlled all the forts in Kilkenny, Waterford, and Tipperary.

Leading the Catholic Confederates

After these victories, Richard Butler was chosen as the general for the Catholic Confederation. This group was formed by the rebels to organize their war efforts. However, the people in County Cork wanted their own general. This meant the Confederate armies were not fully united.

Because his forces were divided, Richard Butler's army was weaker. He was defeated by the Earl of Ormonde at the Battle of Kilrush. This battle happened near Athy on April 10, 1642.

After the defeat, Richard returned to Kilkenny. That summer, he was chosen to be the president of the Supreme Council. This council was the government of the Confederates.

In 1643, Richard was involved in the Battle of New Ross. This battle was fought by General Preston against the Marquis of Ormonde. Richard also helped capture Borris Castle in Queen's County (Laois) with his son, Edmund. He was also part of the siege of Ballinakill, which surrendered on May 5.

Later Life and Family Lands

Richard Butler, Viscount Mountgarret, passed away in 1651. He was buried in St. Canice's in Kilkenny.

After his death, the English government under Oliver Cromwell declared him "outlawed." This meant he was seen as a criminal and his lands could be taken away. Even though he had died, a law called the Act of Settlement 1652 confirmed this.

However, his son, Edmund, worked to get the family's lands back. The family estates were returned to them after another law, the Act of Settlement 1662, was passed.

See also

• Butler dynasty