Sir Thomas Southwell, 1st Baronet facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Southwell
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|---|---|
| Baronet Southwell of Castle Mattress | |
| Tenure | 1662–1681 |
| Successor | Thomas Southwell, 1st Baron Southwell |
| Died | May 1681 |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Starkey |
| Issue Detail |
Richard Southwell |
| Father | Edmund Southwell |
| Mother | Catherine Herbert |
Sir Thomas Southwell, the first Baronet of Castle Mattress, was an important person in Ireland. He was a "High Sheriff" for County Kerry during a time called the Protectorate. This means he was a chief law enforcement officer in the county. He lived from around 1620 until 1681.
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Who Was Sir Thomas Southwell?
Thomas Southwell was likely born at Castle Matrix, a place near Rathkeale in Ireland. He was the fifth son of Edmund Southwell and Catherine Herbert. Even though he had four older brothers, he was the only one who lived to be an adult.
His family had come to Ireland from England. His grandfather, John Southwell, moved from a place called Barham in Suffolk, England, during the time of King James I. Thomas's mother, Catherine Herbert, was very wealthy. She was the only child of Garrett Herbert, who lived in Rathkeale.
Thomas and His Brothers
Thomas had several brothers, but sadly, most of them died young:
- John (died 1642): He married Anne Dowdall.
- William (died 1627): He was killed during a battle called the Siege of Saint-Martin-de-Ré.
- Ralph (died 1627): He was also killed in the same battle as William.
- Edward: He was murdered in Holland.
- Thomas (died 1680): He was the one who became the 1st Baronet.
Family Life: Marriage and Children
Sir Thomas Southwell married a woman named Elizabeth Starkey. Her father was William Starkey. Elizabeth lived longer than Thomas and passed away in 1688.
Thomas and Elizabeth had one son and three daughters:
- Richard Southwell: Their son, who later became a politician in Askeaton. He married Elizabeth O'Brien.
- Garthruid: She was the first wife of John Piggot of Kilfinny.
- Margaret: She married someone with the last name Piggott.
- Joan: She married Sir William Oughtred Courtenay. He was a Baronet from Powderham in Devonshire, England.
What Did Sir Thomas Do?
Sir Thomas Southwell held several important jobs in Ireland. In 1654, he was the High Sheriff for three different counties: County Kerry, County Clare, and County Limerick. He served in these roles during the time when England was ruled by the Protectorate, not a king.
Later, on August 4, 1662, King Charles II gave him a special title. Thomas became the 1st Baronet Southwell, of Castle Mattress. This title was part of the Baronetage of Ireland. A Baronet is a title of honor that can be passed down through the family. The "Castle Mattress" mentioned in his title is a real castle. It stands near the River Deel, west of Rathkeale. It is also known as Matrix or Matras Castle.
When Did Sir Thomas Southwell Die?
Sir Thomas Southwell passed away in December 1680 or May 1681. He was buried in Rathkeale. His only son, Richard, died before him. This meant that when Sir Thomas died, his grandson, also named Thomas, inherited the title. This grandson later became the 1st Baron Southwell.
