Thomas Fleming, 10th Baron Slane facts for kids
Thomas Fleming (died 1601) was an important Irish nobleman and a member of the Irish Parliament in 1585. He was the son of James Fleming and Ismay Dillon. His mother's father was Sir Bartholomew Dillon, a top judge in Ireland.
Thomas became the Baron of Slane after his cousin, James Fleming, 9th Baron Slane, passed away without having any children to inherit the title.
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Serving the Crown
Thomas Fleming was the only Irish nobleman who joined Walter Devereux, 1st Earl of Essex in a fight against Turlough Luineach O'Neill. O'Neill was a powerful leader in Ulster, a region in Ireland. This happened in March 1574.
A Difficult Choice
Even though his family had a history of being Catholic, Baron Fleming found himself in a tough situation. He was unwillingly involved in actions against the Catholic Church in Ireland during the time of Queen Elizabeth I.
One day, Archbishop Dermot O'Hurley, a Catholic leader, was staying at Slane Castle. He was recognized by Baron Fleming's cousin, Sir Robert Dillon. Sir Robert immediately told officials at Dublin Castle.
Baron Slane was quickly called to meet with important leaders, Adam Loftus and Henry Wallop. They told him that if he didn't help, he could be charged with a very serious crime. Because of this pressure, Baron Fleming agreed to arrest Archbishop O'Hurley.
The Archbishop's Surrender
Later, in September 1583, Archbishop O'Hurley was staying at Ormonde Castle as a guest of Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond. Baron Slane met him there. The Baron explained the great danger he and his family faced. To protect them, the Archbishop bravely agreed to go back with Baron Slane and surrender himself at Dublin Castle.
The Earl of Ormond, who was a Protestant, was very upset by how his guest was arrested. He tried his best to help Archbishop O'Hurley, but sadly, he could not save him.
Loyalty to the Queen
In the 1580s, Thomas Fleming was one of the leaders who disagreed with the plans of Sir John Perrot, who was the Queen's representative in Ireland. Despite these disagreements, he was seen as a loyal helper of the English Crown. Queen Elizabeth I herself thought highly of him.
Family Life
Thomas Fleming married Catherine Preston. Her father was Jenico Preston, 3rd Viscount Gormanston. Catherine's mother was Lady Catherine FitzGerald, daughter of Gerald FitzGerald, 9th Earl of Kildare.
Thomas and Catherine had three daughters: Katherine, Margaret, and Eleanor.
- Eleanor married her cousin, William Fleming, who became the 11th Baron Slane. Future Barons of Slane came from their family line.
- Katherine married Piers FitzThomas Butler. Their children later held the title Viscount Galmoye.
- Margaret married John D'Arcy.
