Thomas Henry Burke (civil servant) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas H. Burke
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| Under-Secretary for Ireland | |
| In office 1869–1882 |
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| Preceded by | Sir Edward Robert Wetherall |
| Succeeded by | Robert George Crookshank Hamilton |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas Henry Burke
29 May 1829 |
| Died | 6 May 1882 (aged 52) Phoenix Park, Dublin |
| Resting place | Prospect Cemetery, Glasnevin |
| Nationality | Irish |
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| Occupation | Civil Servant |
| Known for | Phoenix Park Murders |
Thomas Henry Burke (born May 29, 1829 – died May 6, 1882) was an important Irish government worker. He served for many years as the Permanent Under Secretary for Ireland. This meant he was a top official in the government office that managed Ireland.
Sadly, Thomas Burke was killed during an event known as the Phoenix Park Murders. This happened on May 6, 1882. An Irish group called the Irish National Invincibles carried out the attack.
The new head of the Irish government office, Lord Frederick Cavendish, was also killed. He was walking with Burke in Phoenix Park in Dublin when the attack happened. Lord Cavendish was not the main target.
Burke was targeted because he worked for the Dublin Castle administration. This was the British government's main office in Ireland. He also supported laws called the Irish Coercion Acts during a time known as the Land War. These laws were unpopular with many Irish people. Some Irish nationalists even called him the "Castle rat."
Early Life and Family
Thomas Henry Burke was one of six sons. His parents were William Burke and Emma Dillon. He was born in Waterslade House, Tuam, in County Galway, Ireland.
He received his education at Oscott College near Birmingham, England. He also studied in Belgium and Germany.
Burke's family had a long history. They were related to Sir Ulick Burke, who received a special title from Charles I of England in 1628. One of Thomas's brothers was Sir Theobald Hubert Burke. Another brother, Augustus Nicholas Burke, became an artist.
Burke's Views and Role
Thomas Burke believed in Home Rule for Ireland. This meant he thought Ireland should have more control over its own laws. He also supported changes to land ownership issues. However, as a government worker, he usually kept his opinions private.
Lord Spencer, a high-ranking official, described Burke as a "warm-hearted Irishman." He also said Burke had "strong national tendencies."
Burke's support for the "Crimes Acts" (also known as Irish Coercion Acts) made him a target. These laws were put in place to control unrest in Ireland. Burke thought the unpopular Act should continue in 1882.
Many people believed Burke was very powerful.
...those who have had opportunity to be well informed have always held that Mr. Burke confined himself within the immediate duties of his post, and that he was rather averse then otherwise to coercion...in the opinion of a great many people he has for a long time been the real ruler of the country".
Burke showed his concern for land issues in 1880. He stepped in to help with a situation on the Kirwan estate in Carraroe, County Galway. Many tenants were about to be forced off their land. This could have led to serious conflict. Burke used his personal connections to try and calm things down.
He wrote a report about the situation. He felt it showed the sad truth about land problems in Ireland. He mentioned "an absentee landlord, careless sub-agents, fraudulent bailiffs and a wretched tenantry." This meant the landowner wasn't there, and the people managing the land were not doing a good job.
Funeral and Burial
Thomas Burke was buried in a private ceremony. This took place at Prospect cemetery in Glasnevin on May 9. His grave is located in a specific plot (Zb 74 & 75).
His coffin was taken from the Chief Secretary's Lodge at 9 AM. Many carriages followed, carrying people who were mourning him. The coffin had an inscription: "Thomas Henry Burke, Born 29th May 1829, Died 6th May 1882, R.I.P."
Religious leaders led the service. Thomas Burke was buried next to his father, William. Their grave is marked by a Celtic cross. The stone cover on the grave says: "Sacred to the memory of Thomas Henry Burke Esq. Who was murdered in the Phoenix Park on May 6th, 1882. He pleased God and was beloved".
A second monument was built near his grave. It is made mostly of black marble from Cong. This monument has another inscription:
To the memory of Thomas Henry Burke, Under Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Assassinated in the Phoenix Park. This monument is erected by his many friends among the Irish Resident Magistrates as a mark of their appreciation of his high character and eminent public service. RIP.
This monument was put up by his friends who were "Resident Magistrates." These were local officials who helped keep law and order.
Memorial Prize
A special fund was set up in 1883 to remember Thomas Burke. It is called the Burke Memorial Fund. The Department of Education in Northern Ireland now manages this fund.
Each year, a prize of £150 is given from this fund. It is awarded to the student who performs best in the GCSE examinations in Northern Ireland.
Gallery
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Thomas Burke's grave, Prospect cemetery, Glasnevin.
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Monument dedicated to Burke from the Resident Magistrates.
