William Brabazon (Lord Justice of Ireland) facts for kids
Sir William Brabazon was an important English soldier and leader in Ireland during the 1500s. He held powerful jobs like Vice-Treasurer and Lord Justice of Ireland. His family's descendants still have a special title today, the Earl of Meath.
Brabazon came from the family of Roger le Brabazon. His father was John Brabazon of Eastwell, Leicestershire. His grandfather, John Brabazon the elder, had died in a big battle called the Battle of Bosworth.
Contents
Sir William Brabazon's Life and Work
Early Career and Royal Favor
After his father died, William Brabazon went to the King's Court. He was at a famous meeting called the Field of the Cloth of Gold in 1520. Here, he showed great skill in jousting, which is like a knight's sport. This helped him gain the King's favor.
He was made a knight on August 20, 1534. Soon after, he became the Vice-Treasurer and General Receiver of Ireland. This meant he was in charge of the King's money in Ireland. He also served in the Irish House of Commons in the Parliament of 1536–37.
Protecting the Kingdom
In 1535, a top judge in Ireland, Gerald Aylmer, wrote about Brabazon. He said Brabazon was "the man that prevented the total ruin and desolation of the Kingdom." This shows how important he was.
In 1536, Brabazon and John Barnewall, 3rd Baron Trimlestown fought back against the O'Connor clan. They burned villages in Offaly to protect the area.
Supporting the King's Authority
The next year, Brabazon gave a very strong speech. He spoke about making the King's power stronger than the Pope's power in Ireland. His speech convinced the Parliament of Ireland to pass two important laws in 1537. These laws made King Henry VIII the head of the Church in Ireland.
Because of these changes, many religious houses gave their lands to King Henry VIII in 1539. Brabazon himself received land from the Abbey of St Thomas in Dublin. He built his home there, called Thomas Court. The Abbey's lands also included Kilruddery House, which is still the main home for his family today.
Becoming Lord Justice of Ireland
For his good work, Brabazon was made Lord Justice of Ireland on October 1, 1543. He held this important job again on April 1, 1546.
In 1546, he drove Patrick O'More and Brian O'Connor out of Kildare. In April 1547, he joined the Privy Council of Ireland. This was a group of important advisors to the King. In 1548, he helped stop a rebellion in Kildare. He was made Lord Justice for a third time on February 2, 1549.
In August 1550, he brought Cahir mac Art Kavanagh under control. Cahir was a powerful Irish leader in Leinster. After Cahir agreed to the King's rule, he received a royal pardon. He also got a new title, Baron of Ballyann.
Death
Sir William Brabazon died while serving in the military on July 9, 1552. His heart was buried with his family in Eastwell, England. His body was buried in St. Catherine's Church, Dublin.
Family
Sir William Brabazon was married to Elizabeth Clifford. They had two sons and two daughters. His oldest son, Edward, became a Baron in 1616. William's grandson later became the 1st Earl of Meath.
His younger son, Anthony, started another part of the family. Their main home was at Ballinasloe Castle in County Galway.
Elizabeth, William's wife, stayed in Ireland after he died. She lived many more years, until 1581. She married three more times. Her children from these later marriages included the famous soldier Sir William Warren.
