Sir John Bourke of Brittas facts for kids

Sir John Bourke of Brittas (born around 1550 – died December 20, 1607) was known as "Captain of Clanwilliam." His father was Sir Richard Bourke, and his mother was Honor O'Mulryan. Before marrying Sir Richard, Honor was married to De Lacy, and they had a famous son named Sir Piers de Lacy, who was a soldier during the Desmond Rebellions. These rebellions were a series of fights in Ireland against English rule.

Sir John married Grace Thornton. Her father, George Thornton, received some land in County Limerick that had been taken by the English. Because of this, Sir John stayed out of the Desmond Rebellions. Later, when Sir George Carew marched through Limerick, he asked Sir John to promise loyalty to Queen Elizabeth. Sir John refused, saying it was "sinful" to submit to the Queen. Because of this, Sir George Carew destroyed Sir John's lands. Sir John eventually gave in and was forgiven, getting his lands back. However, he didn't feel safe under the Queen's rule. He asked to travel to Spain for a religious trip, but his request was denied, and he had to stay at his home in Brittas.

Standing Up for His Faith

After the Desmond Rebellions, people who followed the Catholic Faith faced difficult times. Sir John Bourke openly showed his Catholic beliefs. He also protected priests and other Catholics who were being hunted by the government. During a short peaceful time, he and his family went to church at St Mary's Cathedral, Limerick, which was temporarily given back to Catholics. They joined a special Catholic group called the Dominican Confraternity of the Holy Rosary.

When the difficult times for Catholics started again, Sir John was called to court. He was accused of not attending the official state church. He was put in prison. Luckily, Sir George Thornton helped him again, and Sir John was released. He got his lands and money back. Even so, he continued to hide and protect priests. People knew him as the "protector of the Catholics."

Betrayal and Capture

In October 1607, something terrible happened. While a Catholic Mass was being held at Brittas Castle, Sir John was betrayed. His relatives, Theobald Bourke and Sir Edmond Walsh, told soldiers where he was. A group of soldiers arrived to arrest the priests. Sir John refused to give them up or open his castle gates. Because of this, he was declared an outlaw, and Brittas Castle was surrounded.

Sir John, wearing his helmet and carrying his shield and sword, bravely fought his way out and escaped! He made it to Waterford, planning to go to Spain. But there, he was betrayed again, arrested, and sent back to Limerick for trial.

During his trial, Sir John refused to give up his Catholic Faith or accept the new state religion. He said he could not recognize any earthly king or queen over the King of Heaven and Queen of Heaven. He believed anyone who did otherwise was not serving God. He was sentenced to death.

His Final Moments

Sir John Bourke was hanged on Gallows Green on December 20, 1607. Because he was so well-liked and respected, the rest of his harsh sentence was not carried out. His body was given back to his family. He was buried in St. John's Churchyard, but his grave can no longer be found.

His Family and Legacy

Sir John left behind nine children. However, his lands were taken away by the government. They were given to Theobald Bourke, the relative who betrayed him. Theobald Bourke later became the first Baron of Brittas in 1618. Sir John Bourke was the grandfather of John Bourke, Mayor of Limerick. This Mayor John Bourke was also the great-grandfather of the famous writer and politician Edmund Burke.