Thomas Óge Martyn facts for kids
Thomas Óge Martyn was an important person in the city of Galway, Ireland, many years ago. He was a successful merchant (someone who buys and sells goods) and served as the Mayor of Galway twice. He lived from around 1533 to about 1577. Thomas Óge Martyn was part of the famous Martyn family, which was one of the well-known families called the Tribes of Galway.
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Who Was Thomas Óge Martyn?
Thomas Óge Martyn was born in Galway. His father, Wylliam Martin, was also a former Mayor of Galway. This shows that his family was important in the city's history and leadership.
Building the West Bridge and Mills
In 1558, something big happened for Thomas Óge Martyn. He received special permission from Queen Mary to build a mill on the west side of the River Corrib. This river flows through Galway. The Queen's permission came with a condition: Thomas Óge had to build a new stone bridge too. This bridge needed strong gates and walls to protect it.
The bridge and mill were finished in 1562. A special stone plaque was placed there, saying that Thomas Óge and his wife, Evelina Lynch, "caused this bridge and mill to be made." This means they were responsible for building it.
Sadly, the original bridge and mills were taken down around 1800. A new bridge was built in its place by the Murphy family. Today, this rebuilt bridge is known as O'Brien's Bridge.
Thomas Óge Martyn's Time in Office
Thomas Óge Martyn held several important jobs in Galway. He worked as a bailiff (an officer of the law) from September 1533 to September 1534.
He then served as the Mayor of Galway two times. His first term as mayor was from 1549 to 1550. His second term was from 1562 to 1563.
After his time as mayor, he became a master of Galway. He held this position from 1550 until 1577. After 1577, his name no longer appears in the city's official records.
His Family and Descendants
Thomas Óge Martyn had two sons who also became important in Galway: William Óge Martyn and Francis Martin. Both of them later served as Mayors of Galway, just like their father and grandfather.
It is believed that Thomas Óge Martyn is an ancestor of several other notable people. These include Richard "Humanity Dick" Martin (who lived from 1754 to 1834), Harriet Letitia Martin (1801–91), Mary Letitia Martin (1815–50), and D'Arcy Argue Counsell Martin (1899–1992). This shows how his family continued to be important in Irish history for many generations.
See also
- The Tribes of Galway
