Theobald Butler, 1st Baron Cahir facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Theobald Butler
Baron Cahir
Tenure	1583–1696
Successor	Thomas Butler, 2nd Baron Cahir
Died	28 April 1596 Cahir
Spouse(s)	Mary Cusack
Issue Detail	Thomas & others
Father	Piers Butler
Mother	Butler

Sir Theobald Butler (died 1596) was an important Irish nobleman. He was the very first Baron Cahir when the title was created again in 1583. The title "Baron" means he was a powerful lord.

Theobald's Family Background

Theobald was the oldest son of Piers Butler. His mother's first name is not known. Theobald's father was the younger brother of Thomas Butler, 1st Baron Cahir, who held the title before.

The Butlers of Cahir were a branch of the larger Butler family, the Butlers of Ormond. This branch started with James Gallda Butler, a younger son of James Butler, 3rd Earl of Ormond. Theobald's mother was a daughter of MacPierce, Lord Dunboyne.

The Battle of Affane

In 1565, Theobald's father, Piers Butler, felt unfairly treated by the Ormond family. He decided to side with Gerald FitzGerald, 14th Earl of Desmond. They fought against the Ormond family in the Battle of Affane. Piers Butler's side lost this battle.

Theobald's Marriage and Children

Theobald Butler married Mary Cusack. She was the daughter of Sir Thomas Cusack of Cussington, in County Meath. Her father was a very important person, the Lord Chancellor of Ireland.

Theobald and Mary had six sons:

• Thomas Butler, 2nd Baron Cahir (born around 1568 – died 1627), who became the next Baron Cahir.
• Piers of Cloghcullie (Clocully), in County Tipperary. He married Eleanor, the daughter of Pierce Butler of Callan, County Kilkenny. Their son, Thomas, later became the 3rd Baron.
• Edmund Butler, who did not have any children.
• Richard of Clonbrogan. His grandson, Theobald, became the 5th Baron Cahir.
• James of Knocklofty (died 1630). His son, Theobald (died 1630), was involved in a rebellion in 1598.
• John, of Cloughbridy.

They also had two or three daughters:

• Ellen, who married Richard Butler of Ballyboe, County Tipperary.
• Mary, who married Cormac MacDermot MacCarthy, 16th Lord of Muskerry. She was the mother of Charles MacCarthy, 1st Viscount Muskerry.
• Eleanor (her existence is not certain). Some say she married John Butler, the oldest son of James Butler, 2nd Baron Dunboyne. However, this claim was likely false and was made during a dispute over who should inherit the Dunboyne title.

Becoming a Knight

In 1567, Theobald Butler was given the title of Knight. This happened in Clonmel and was done by Henry Sidney. Henry Sidney had become the lord deputy of Ireland in 1565.

Becoming Baron Cahir

Theobald Butler was the nephew of Thomas Butler, 1st Baron Cahir. This first Baron Cahir title was created in 1542. Theobald's first cousin, Edmund, was the 2nd Baron. When Edmund died in 1560 without children, the title of Baron Cahir ended.

However, Queen Elizabeth I of England decided to bring the title back on May 6, 1583. She gave it to Theobald Butler. This made him the 1st Baron Cahir of the second creation. He then ruled a large part of the barony of Iffa and Offa West.

Death and Important Dates

Baron Cahir passed away on April 28, 1596, in Cahir, County Tipperary. His oldest son, Thomas, became the 2nd Baron Cahir after him.