Sir Edmund Butler of Cloughgrenan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Edmund Butler
Depiction of Butler in revolt
Born	1534
Died	c. 1585 Inistioge, County Kilkenny, Ireland
Buried	St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny
Family	Butler dynasty
Spouse(s)	Eleanor Eustace
Issue	Piers Butler James Butler Theobald Butler Joan Butler Katherine Butler Thomas Butler
Father	James Butler
Mother	Joan Fitzgerald

Sir Edmund Butler (born 1534, died around 1585) was an important Irish noble. He was the second son of James Butler, the 9th Earl of Ormond, and Lady Joan Fitzgerald. Edmund belonged to the powerful Butler family, known as the House of Ormond. He became famous for leading a rebellion against the English rulers, the Tudors.

Life and Times of Edmund Butler

In 1562, Edmund helped keep the peace in County Carlow. This was when the Lord Deputy (a high-ranking English official) was away. Edmund was made a knight in 1567. He also gained rights over certain areas in County Tipperary.

The Battle of Affane

In 1565, a big fight happened called the Battle of Affane. During this battle, Edmund Butler shot Gerald FitzGerald, the 14th Earl of Desmond. The shot hit Desmond in the hip, breaking his leg and making him fall from his horse.

With their leader down, Desmond's soldiers, called the Geraldines, ran away. Edmund's brother, Thomas Butler, the 10th Earl of Ormond, led the Butlers in chasing them. About 300 Geraldines were killed as they fled towards the river.

The Butler Revolt

Edmund's father passed away in London in 1546. At that time, Edmund was about 12 years old. From his father's will, Edmund received land called the Dullough. This land was worth a lot of money each year.

However, an English adventurer named Sir Peter Carew claimed this land. He said it belonged to his family from a long time ago. This disagreement over land led to a big conflict with the English government.

Edmund, who was next in line to his brother, became well-known in 1569. He led a major uprising called the Butler Revolt. His brothers, Edward and Piers, joined him in this rebellion.

The revolt started because the Lord Deputy of Ireland, Sir Henry Sidney, unfairly gave Edmund's lands to Sir Peter Carew. In response, Edmund and his brothers attacked English settlements across Leinster. Sidney declared them traitors. This was surprising because the Butler family had always been loyal to the English Crown.

Eventually, Edmund's brother, Earl Thomas, worried about his own lands and titles. He decided to join forces with his old enemy, Sidney, and marched against Edmund. Queen Elizabeth I then declared Edmund a traitor.

However, Edmund gave up his estate to the Queen in 1570. He and his brothers, Edward and Piers, were pardoned in 1573. This meant their lives were saved, but Edmund's title as a noble was not fully restored. His brothers Edward and Piers continued to support the Desmond forces.

Edmund, who was very determined, later escaped from Dublin Castle. He got help from Fiach MacHugh O'Byrne. Edmund tried to escape by rope from the castle walls but fell into the moat. He spent the night hiding in the castle ditch, avoiding Sidney's soldiers.

After his escape, Edmund regained control of Cloughrenan. However, his properties were in ruins, and he never lived there again. He remained free until his death in Inistioge, sometime between 1580 and 1590. He is buried at St Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny city.

Edmund's Children and Family History

Some years after Edmund's death, Queen Elizabeth I restored the noble status of his oldest son, Piers. Piers was given back ancestral lands in Roscrea. Sadly, both Piers and his brother James were executed in 1596 during another rebellion. This was ordered by their uncle, Earl Thomas.

In 1602, Elizabeth also restored the noble status of Edmund's last remaining son, Theobald. Theobald became the 1st Viscount of Tulleophelim and the Governor of County Carlow. Edmund also had a son born outside of marriage, named Thomas. King Charles I made Thomas a Baronet of Cloughrenan in 1628.

The Butler family kept control of Cloughrenan until 1715. At that time, James Butler, the 2nd Duke of Ormonde, was declared a traitor. His lands were then given to the Rochfort family.

Marriage and Children

Edmund Butler married Eleanor Eustace. She was the second daughter of Rowland Eustace, the 2nd Viscount Baltinglass. Eleanor's brother, James, also rebelled against Queen Elizabeth.

Edmund and Eleanor had several children:

• Piers Butler (died 1596), who married Mary Butler. They had children.
• James Butler (died 1596).
• Theobald Butler (born around 1570, died 1613). He was made Viscount Butler of Tulleophelim in 1603. He married Lady Elizabeth Butler.
• Joan Butler, who married Teige Fitzpatrick, the 4th Baron Upper Ossory.
• Katherine Butler, who married William Fitzjohn Eustace.
• Sir Thomas Butler, 1st Baronet of Cloughgrenan (died 1642). He was Edmund's son born outside of marriage. He married Anne Bagenal and had children.

See also

• Butler dynasty