Theobald Butler (solicitor-general) facts for kids

Sir Theobald (Toby) Butler (1650–1721) was an important lawyer and politician in Ireland during the late 1600s and early 1700s. He served as the Solicitor General for Ireland, a high legal position. People mainly remember him for helping to write parts of the Treaty of Limerick. This treaty aimed to bring peace to Ireland. He is also famous for his powerful speech against the Popery Act of 1703. This law made it harder for Catholic families to keep their land. Toby Butler was very popular in Dublin. His popularity helped protect him from problems because of his Catholic faith.

Early Life and Family

Toby Butler was born in 1650 at Boytonrath, County Tipperary. He was one of five sons born to James and Mary Butler. His family was part of the large and powerful Butler dynasty. The family lost their home at Boytonrath after a big rebellion in 1641. They then moved to Ballyline near Ennis, County Clare, where Toby grew up.

Becoming a Lawyer

Toby Butler began studying law in London in 1671. He became a lawyer in Ireland in 1676. He first worked in the west of Ireland. Later, he moved to Dublin, where he lived for the rest of his life. His main home was in Saggart, County Dublin. He also had a house in Dublin city.

People described him as a very smart and clever lawyer. He was known as one of the best lawyers of his time. He was also famous for his quick wit and humor. Toby Butler was a well-known person in Dublin. He often visited the city's meeting places.

Political Career

When King James II arrived in Ireland in 1689, Toby Butler became an important political figure. Butler was loyal to King James and was a devout Roman Catholic. He became a Member of Parliament for Ennis. He was also knighted, which means he was given the title "Sir."

For a short time, he held several important jobs. He was a senior lawyer called Third Serjeant. He also served as Solicitor General for Ireland. He was a judge in Clonmel and a tax commissioner.

The Treaty of Limerick

After King James II lost power, Toby Butler played a key role. He helped write the civil articles of the Treaty of Limerick. This treaty was meant to solve Ireland's political problems for good. He worked with two other Catholic lawyers, John Browne and Garrett Dillon.

The terms Butler helped get were very fair to the losing side. Catholic landowners who promised loyalty to King William III would not be punished. They would keep their lands and their right to own weapons. However, the Irish Parliament did not honor the treaty. After many debates, the treaty was not officially approved.

Even though he was loyal to King James II, Butler did not go into exile with him. He was protected by his great popularity. Also, the Butler family was still very powerful.

The Popery Act

As the 1700s began, the legal situation for Roman Catholics became much worse. In 1703, a new law was proposed. It was called the "Popery Act." This law stated that if a Catholic landowner died, his sons would share the land equally. But if one son became a Protestant, he would inherit all the land.

As a Catholic, Butler could no longer be a Member of Parliament. However, he was allowed to speak against the bill. He gave a powerful speech to the Irish House of Commons on February 22. He repeated his plea to the Irish House of Lords a few days later. But both parts of Parliament ignored his pleas and passed the Popery Act.

Later Life

As a Catholic landowner, Sir Toby Butler faced challenges. People called "informers" would try to take land from Catholic owners. Sir Toby protected his lands by putting them in the care of Protestant friends for his sons. His eldest son became a Protestant, which also helped protect the family property.

In his later years, Sir Toby had legal problems over his Saggart estate. Another lawsuit involved lands in County Galway. This case went on for 40 years, long after Sir Toby's death.

Death and Legacy

Sir Toby Butler died in March 1721. He was buried in the churchyard of St James' Church in Dublin. Being buried in a Protestant churchyard shows how popular he was. It might also mean he sometimes attended Protestant church services. His memorial still exists today. It was restored by his family in the 1870s. It has a simple Latin message from his eldest son, praising "the best of fathers."

Most people thought highly of Butler. The famous writer Jonathan Swift called him a man who was "universally beloved." Only a few people who had lost everything under the new laws criticized him.

Family Life

Sir Toby Butler married Margaret Roche. Her father, Dominick Roche, was the Mayor of Limerick. They had at least five sons: James, John, Theobald, Jordan, and Henry. They also had a daughter named Frances. Frances married her cousin, Thomas Butler, who was the 6th Baron Cahir.

Images for kids

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  St James Church, where the memorial to Butler still exists.