Sir George Courtenay, 1st Baronet facts for kids

Sir George Oughtred Courtenay, 1st Baronet, of Newcastle (born around 1585 – died 1644) was an important Irish landowner and soldier. He is remembered for defending the city of Limerick during a big attack in 1642. This happened during a time of conflict known as the Irish Rebellion of 1641.

Who Was George Courtenay?

His Family and Early Life

George Courtenay was born sometime between 1580 and 1585. He was the fourth son of William Courtenay and his first wife, Elizabeth Manners. His father's family was from Devonshire, England. They were part of the "gentry," which meant they were wealthy landowners, but not nobles. Much later, in 1831, his father's family was recognized as the rightful (de jure) 3rd Earl of Devon. His mother, Elizabeth, was the daughter of Henry Manners, who was the 2nd Earl of Rutland in England.

How Did His Family Get Land in Ireland?

The Plantation of Munster

George's father was involved in something called the Plantation of Munster. This was a plan by the English government to settle English and Scottish people on lands in Ireland. These lands had been taken from Irish lords after rebellions, like the Desmond Rebellions. In 1585, George's father was given a large area of land, about 10,500 acres, called the "seignory" of Newcastle. This was in a western part of County Limerick.

George Courtenay himself later bought even more land. Between 1598 and 1611, he purchased two more seignories, Mayne and Beauly. This increased his family's land in Munster from 10,500 acres to a huge 33,678 acres!

George's Marriage and Children

George Courtenay married Catherine Berkeley before 1616. Her father was Francis Berkeley from Askeaton, County Limerick. Catherine's uncle, Captain Edward Berkeley, had been made the leader of Askeaton Castle in 1585 or 1586. This castle had been captured by the English during the Second Desmond Rebellion.

George and Catherine had three sons:

• William (1616–1652), who became the 2nd Baronet but had no sons.
• Francis (1617–1660), who became the 3rd Baronet.
• Morris, who died without having children.

What is a Baronet?

Becoming Sir George Courtenay

In 1622, George Courtenay was given a special title: he was made the 1st Baronet Courtenay of Newcastle, County Limerick. A Baronet is a title of honor that is passed down through the family, similar to a knight, but it is hereditary. In the same year, he was also made the constable (or commander) of Limerick Castle.

When his father died in 1630, George's older brother, Francis, became the rightful Earl of Devon and inherited the family's lands in England. George, however, inherited all the family's lands in Ireland.

Defending Limerick Castle

The Siege of Limerick in 1642

In May and June of 1642, George Courtenay was in charge of defending King John's Castle in Limerick. This castle was like a strong fortress, or "citadel," for the city. It was attacked by Irish rebels from Munster, led by General Garret Barry and other important figures like Lord Muskerry.

The attackers tried to break into the castle by digging tunnels, called "mines," under its eastern wall and a corner tower. Sir George Courtenay and his men bravely defended the castle. However, on June 21st, he had to surrender, and the rebels took control of the castle.

Losing Newcastle

Soon after the siege of Limerick, in July and August 1642, the rebels also attacked Newcastle, which was Sir George Courtenay's home and main estate. They brought a cannon from Limerick, and after a fierce attack, Newcastle fell on August 6th.

When Did Sir George Courtenay Die?

Sir George Courtenay died in 1644. His eldest surviving son, Sir William Courtenay, became the 2nd Baronet after him.