Ulick na gCeann Burke, 1st Earl of Clanricarde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Clanricarde
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| Uilleag de Búrca | |
| Born |
Ulick Burke
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| Died | 1544 |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Spouse(s) |
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| Children | 4, including Richard Sassanach Burke |
| Parent(s) | Richard Mór Burke |
Ulick na gCeann Burke (died 1544) was an important Irish noble. He was known as the 12th Clanricarde or Mac William Uachtar, which were titles for leaders in his family. He later became the 1st Earl of Clanricarde. His nickname, "na gCeann," means "of the Heads." This name came from a story that he made a mound of heads from enemies he defeated in battle. Ulick was the son of Richard Mór Burke, who was the 9th Clanricarde.
Ulick Burke's Life
Ulick took over as the leader of his clan after his father passed away. His family owned a lot of land in County Galway, Ireland. In 1541, Ulick wrote to Henry VIII, the King of England. He told the King that his family had become too "Irish" and disobedient to English rule. He offered to put himself and his lands under the King's control.
Later that same year, Ulick was in Dublin when a new law was passed. This law made Henry VIII the official King of Ireland.
In 1543, Ulick and other Irish chiefs traveled to Greenwich to meet King Henry VIII. They officially agreed to follow the King's rules. This was part of a plan called "surrender and regrant." It meant that Irish leaders would give up their old titles and lands to the King. In return, the King would give them back their lands and new English titles.
Ulick was confirmed as the leader of Clanricarde. On July 1, 1543, King Henry VIII made him the Earl of Clanricarde and Baron of Dunkellin. These were new English titles. He got most of his old lands back, plus some new ones. To get these titles, Ulick had to agree to follow English customs and laws. He also had to promise to be loyal to the English King.
An important official, Lord Chancellor Cusake, said in 1553 that making Ulick an Earl made the whole country peaceful. Ulick did not get to enjoy his new titles for very long. He died in Ireland around March 1544, not long after returning from England. People at the time described him as a powerful and proud leader.
His Family Life
Ulick Burke was married three times. His first wife was Grany, also known as Grace, who was the daughter of Mulrone O'Carroll. This was the only marriage that was considered fully legal. They later divorced. They had one son:
- Richard, who became the Second Earl of Clanricarde after Ulick.
His second wife was Honora de Burgh. Ulick also divorced her.
His third wife was Maire Lynch. They had a son:
- John Burke, who later tried to claim the earldom in 1568.
Ulick also had other sons, including Thomas, Redmond, and Edmund.
What Happened Next?
Because Ulick had several marriages and relationships, there were different people who wanted to become the next Earl of Clanricarde. In the end, Ulick's oldest legal son, Richard Sassanach Burke, became the 2nd Earl of Clanricarde.
Coat of Arms
A Coat of Arms is a special design that represents a family or a person. It often includes symbols and a motto.
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