William Burke, Lord of Bealatury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Burke
Lord of Bealatury |
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|---|---|
| Uilleag de Búrca | |
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Arms of de Burgh/Burke of Clanricarde:
Or, a cross gules in the first quarter a lion rampant sable |
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| Nationality | Irish |
| Parent(s) | John na Seamar Burke |
| Relatives | Redmond Burke (brother) John Óge Burke (brother) Tomás Burke (brother) |
William Burke, also known as the Lord of Bealatury, was an important Irish noble and soldier. He was active from the 1580s until 1616. William Burke served in the Spanish army for a time. Later, he returned to Ireland and fought in a major conflict called the Nine Years' War.
Contents
William Burke's Early Life and Family
William Burke belonged to the powerful Burke family. This family lived in a region of Ireland called Clanricarde, which is now part of County Galway. William was one of five brothers. All five brothers left Ireland in the late 1580s to join the Spanish army.
Their father was John na Seamar Burke, who passed away in 1583. Their uncle was Ulick Burke, who was the 3rd Earl of Clanricarde. The oldest brother in the family was Redmond Burke, Baron Leitrim.
William Burke and the Nine Years' War
William and his brothers returned to Ireland in time to join the Nine Years' War (Ireland). This was a big war fought in Ireland. A writer named Philip O'Sullivan Beare wrote about William Burke. He said that in 1599, William Burke won a battle against "English recruits clad in red coats." These were new English soldiers wearing red uniforms.
Both William and his brother Redmond were important leaders. They fought alongside Red Hugh O'Donnell at the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. After this important battle, a plan was made. Red Hugh O'Donnell, Redmond Burke, and Captain Hugh Mus decided to go to Spain. They wanted to ask the King of Spain for help with their problems.
Other leaders, like Captain Tyrrell and William's other brothers, stayed behind. They continued the fight in Munster while the others were away.
After the Nine Years' War
In 1603, William Burke joined Donal Cam O'Sullivan Beare on a long journey north. It seems that William then traveled to Spain in the years that followed.
In Spanish documents from 1616, William Burke signed his name as "Lord of Bealatury." This shows he held a special title or land in that area.
See also
- House of Burke
- Burke (surname)
- Clanricarde
- Ulick na gCeann Burke, 1st Earl of Clanricarde
