Ulick Burke, 1st Viscount Galway facts for kids

Ulick Burke, 1st Viscount Galway (born around 1670 – died 1691) was an Irish army officer. He fought for the Jacobites during the Williamite War in Ireland and was killed at the Battle of Aughrim.

Who Was Ulick Burke?

Ulick Burke was born around 1670. His father was William Burke, 7th Earl of Clanricarde, and his mother was Helen MacCarty. His father was a very important noble, known as the 7th Earl of Clanricarde.

Ulick's Family Background

Ulick's mother, Helen MacCarty, came from a powerful Irish family called the MacCarthy of Muskerry dynasty. This family was known for being descendants of the ancient kings of Desmond.

Ulick had several brothers and sisters. One of his sisters, Honora Burke, married a famous Jacobite leader named Patrick Sarsfield. This made Ulick and Patrick Sarsfield brothers-in-law. After Ulick's father died, his half-brothers, Richard and John, became the next Earls of Clanricarde.

Becoming Viscount Galway

On June 2, 1687, Ulick Burke was given two special titles by the king: Baron of Tyaquin and Viscount Galway. A Viscount is a noble rank, usually below an Earl but above a Baron. This was the second time someone had been given the title of Viscount Galway.

Ulick's Marriage and Child

In 1688, Viscount Galway married a woman named Frances Lane. Her father was George Lane, 1st Viscount Lanesborough.

It's not completely clear if Ulick and Frances had children. Some records say they had no children, while others suggest they had a daughter named Elizabeth. This Elizabeth Burke is sometimes described as a "celebrated poetess" who later married Sir Thomas Blake.

Ulick's Role in the Williamite War

Ulick Burke became a member of the Irish House of Lords in 1689. This was during a time when King James II, who was Catholic, was facing strong opposition from Protestants.

Fighting for King James II

When the war started, Viscount Galway quickly raised his own army unit, called a regiment of foot soldiers, in Connaught. He joined the Irish Army to fight for King James II.

The Battle of Aughrim

Ulick Burke was very active in the war. Sadly, he was killed in 1691 at the Battle of Aughrim. Many other important Jacobite officers also died in this battle.

After Ulick's death, the title of Galway was given to someone else. It was made into an earldom and given to Henri de Massue. He was a French commander who fought on the side of the Williamite forces, against King James II.

Images for kids

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  The coat of arms of the Burke family.