Thomas Cusack (Irish judge) facts for kids
Sir Thomas Cusack (1490–1571) was an important Anglo-Irish judge and statesman in the 1500s. He held several high positions, including Master of the Rolls in Ireland and Lord Chancellor of Ireland. He also served in the Irish Parliament, known as the Irish House of Commons. Sir Thomas was a very trusted and reliable official for the King and Queen of England during his time.
He is also known as an ancestor of the famous Duke of Wellington.
Contents
The Cusack Family History
Thomas Cusack was the oldest son of John Cusack of Cussington, a place in County Meath. His mother was Alison de Wellesley, whose family lived at Dangan Castle. Both his parents came from old, well-known families in an area of Ireland called the Pale.
The Cusack family of Cushinstown were descendants of Walter de Cusack, who was a judge and soldier in the 1300s. Another family member, Nicholas Cusack, was a Bishop of Kildare from 1279 to 1299.
Thomas had four younger brothers and seven sisters. Some of his sisters were:
- Mary (Maria), who became the last Abbess (leader) of Lismullen Abbey.
- Anne, who married Thomas Finglas, whose father was a chief judge in Ireland.
- Johanna, who married Sir Garret Fleming, a relative of a powerful baron.
- Catherine, who married Nicholas Wafer.
- Thomasine, who married Christopher Dowdall. Her son, James Dowdall, later became a chief judge, and Thomas Cusack encouraged him to study law.
Starting His Career
We don't know much about Thomas Cusack's early life until he began studying law in London in 1522. He married his first wife, Joan Hussey, around 1515.
Even though some of his family members were involved in a rebellion led by Silken Thomas, it did not stop Thomas Cusack's career. His stepmother's family, the Delahides, were also involved in this rebellion.
Like many ambitious people in Ireland at that time, Thomas Cusack sought help from Thomas Cromwell, a very powerful minister in England. He asked Cromwell for the job of Chancellor of the Exchequer in Ireland and got it in 1533. He also used his connections to become a judge in 1534.
Even though he used money to help get his jobs, Cusack was seen as a very good judge. People praised his common sense and his ability to find the truth in cases. He was fair to everyone, even those who spoke only Irish, and was known for being honest and reasonable.
A Career in Politics
Thomas Cusack's first time as a judge lasted less than a year. He was removed from the job after a disagreement with Thomas Cromwell. There were rumors he had misused government money, but he was generally thought to be an honest person. His setback did not last long, and he soon made up with Cromwell.
He later helped investigate how Ireland was governed and worked on a commission that closed down monasteries. For his good work, he received Lismullen Abbey as a reward. This was the same abbey where his sister Mary was the Abbess. She had to give up the Abbey to her brother. Lismullen became one of his main homes.
In 1536, he joined the Irish House of Commons (the Irish Parliament) and was chosen as its Speaker in 1541. He had been made a knight the year before. As Speaker, he played a big part in passing a law that recognized Henry VIII as the King of Ireland. He gave a strong speech supporting the King's policies, including the break from the Papacy (the Pope) and the closing of monasteries. The King himself praised him as a "man of wit, good service and affection."
In 1541, he wrote a report for the King about giving land to Irish people. He believed that the native Irish should be treated as loyal subjects of the King, not as enemies. He also thought they should have the full benefits of English law. This idea was part of a new policy called "surrender and regrant." Cusack always pushed for peaceful solutions, even when others wanted to use harsh methods against Irish leaders like Shane O'Neill.
Master and Chancellor Roles
In 1542, Cusack became the Master of the Rolls in Ireland. This job mainly involved managing records and hearing some lawsuits. He held this position for about a year. In 1543, he was appointed High Sheriff of Meath and helped raise soldiers for service abroad. He also helped defend the Pale in 1548.
He was given the Great Seal of Ireland in 1546. Then, in 1551, Edward VI made him Lord Chancellor of Ireland. The King chose him because of his "wisdom, learning, great experience and grave behaviour." His duties included both executive (managing) and judicial (legal) tasks. He was sent to enforce law in Connaught, where he was quite strict. In 1552, he was appointed Lord Justice of Ireland to govern when the Lord Deputy was away. Cusack always got along well with Sir Anthony St. Leger, the Lord Deputy.
Even though Cusack supported the Reformation (changes in the church) and gained from the sale of monasteries, Queen Mary I, who was a strong Roman Catholic, did not hold his religious beliefs against him. She praised his good service to her brother and kept him in office. However, they later disagreed about her religious policies, especially her decision to bring back the chapter of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. This disagreement led to his temporary removal from office. He later complained about the high costs he faced while serving her, which left him in debt.
Later Years
He was replaced as Lord Chancellor in 1555 after his disagreement with Queen Mary. This also led to a short time in the Tower of London and a large fine. He returned to politics soon after and was elected to the House of Commons for Athenry in 1559.
He became known to Queen Elizabeth I and carried out several important diplomatic missions for her. He helped settle a dispute between two powerful Earls in 1560 and negotiated with Shane O'Neill. In 1564-1565, he was very firm in bringing peace to Munster. He wanted to become Lord Chancellor again and asked for the job many times. He was promised the role in 1563, but it did not happen. He remained a valued member of the Privy Council of Ireland, though he often felt his advice was not heard. His relationship with Queen Elizabeth became difficult as she doubted his peaceful approach. In the last two years of his life, he was less involved in public affairs.
Death and Memorial
Even though he often complained of being sick, Thomas Cusack lived to be over eighty, like his father. He passed away in 1571 and is buried at Trevet, County Meath. A memorial for Cusack and his second wife, Maud Darcy, was put up in Trevet Church by his son John. This stone still exists in pieces today. The inscription on the stone praises his wife and himself:
"Virtue made me. Goodness cared for me. Honour made me important. Skill made me successful. May my long life be remembered. As Lord Chancellor I managed the laws....."
Marriages and Family
Thomas Cusack's personal life was quite complicated. His first wife was Joan Hussey, and they had at least three children. In 1537, their marriage was ended because they were distant cousins, but it was likely due to personal problems. Thomas always said that his marriage to Joan was never truly valid and referred to Maud Darcy as his first wife. Joan later remarried and was still alive in 1581; Thomas left her a small amount of money in his will.
His second marriage was to Maud Darcy. There were rumors that Maud had been involved in the death of her first husband. She then married Richard Fitzgerald, who was later executed for treason. After getting a pardon, Maud quickly married Thomas Cusack. This marriage seemed to be a happy one. Maud came from the important Darcy family of Platten, County Meath.
After Maud died, Cusack became the fourth husband of Jenet Sarsfield, who had been married many times before. This marriage was not based on love; Jenet wanted Cusack's property, and he needed her money to pay off his debts. However, it seemed reasonably happy. A big disagreement started between Jenet and Thomas's son Edward. Thomas's will left Lismullen Abbey to Jenet, which led to years of legal battles after his death. His property at Cussington went to John, his grandson from his first marriage. Jenet died in 1598 after two more marriages.
Descendants
By his first wife, Thomas had three children. With Maud Darcy, he had thirteen children, though some passed away before him. Of his sixteen children, eight are clearly identified:
- Robert, a judge who died in 1570. He had at least seven children, including John Cusack of Cussington and Fr Christopher Cusack, who founded a college in France.
- Edward (died 1596) of Lismullen. He had at least six children, including Richard and James, who was important in Confederate Ireland.
- John
- Catherine (died 1598), who married Sir Henry Colley.
- Mary, who married Theobald Butler, 1st Baron Cahir and had seven children.
- Alice, who married Sir Christopher Bellew.
- Margaret, who married Murrough McDermot O'Brien, 3rd Baron Inchiquin and had seven children.
- Alison, who married Thomas Aylmer.
The Colley family, who later became the Earls of Mornington, descended from Catherine Cusack and Henry Colley. They changed their name to Wellesley and produced many famous people, including the 1st Duke of Wellington.
The Cusack-Smith baronets were also descendants of Sir Thomas through his female line.
Character and Legacy
Despite some challenges in his personal life, and accusations of misusing funds early in his career, Thomas Cusack is generally considered one of the best public servants of his time. A modern writer called him "one of the most loyal and respected political figures in Ireland" during his era.
Images for kids
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Cusack Family Tree with Mermaid and Motto
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Memorial to Sir Thomas, his second wife Maud Darcy and their children
