(als. Monphin/ Munfin/Monpine/ Mountfin, Parish of Templeshanbo, Barony of Scarawalsh Co Wexford)

Walter Butler of Munphin, Co Wexford, played an important part in the history of Co. Wexford, and Ireland during the tumultuous times following the accession to the throne of Catholic King James II, and the resultant battle for the crown with William of Orange. This family’s fortunes were closely tied up with those events, with disastrous consequences for Walter, his son also named Walter, and his famous stepson, Pierce (Butler) 3^rd Viscount Galmoy. This was considered one of the senior branches of the Mountgarrett dynasty.

Walter Butler was the youngest son of Pierce Butler of Kayer.

Walter is mentioned in the book “A Genealogical & Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great Britain and Ireland”: [i]

“Philip Hore’s daughter Mary who married Edward Butler, Esq. of Moneyhore, in the County of Wexford, grandson of Pierce, Baron of Kayer (sic- should be, ‘son of Pierce’), and eldest brother of Colonel Sir Walter Butler, knight of that shire etc.”

Walter's only son Walter Junior and his stepson Lord Galmoy would both share kinship with the Royal House of Stuart through their advantageous marriages. Walter's second stepson Richard would also develop a close relationship with James II and his family in exile in France. All four would lead extraordinary lives due to the political circumstances of the time.

Born c.1640-1645 [ii], Walter Butler married on May 1, 1668 [iii] to Eleanor, widow of Edward Butler, 2^nd Viscount Galmoy (d.c.Dec 1667 aged 40), viz. Lady Galmoy alias Eleanor White, (b.c.1630-34, d. before 1701 [iv]), daughter of Sir Nicholas White of Leixlip Castle, Co. Kildare. As Viscountess Galmoy, Eleanor had a grant of the administration of her husband’s estates 14 December 1667.

Butler historian, Theobald Blake Butler wrote that Eleanor is said to have been firstly the widow of Sir Arthur Aston, Governor of Drogheda who was slain by Cromwell 11 Sept 1649, however he also qualifies this by saying “see GEC (Cockayne) for doubts of marriage to Aston”. [v] George Cockayne stated:

That in the White Pedigrees registered in Ulster’s office this marriage is not mentioned, nor any verification found. Perhaps the fact that Lady Galmoy’s mother was the daughter of Garret, 1^st Visc Moore of Drogheda gave rise to the legend. The only known wife of Sir A. Aston was the dau of Sir Samuel Bagenal (G.D. Burtchaell).

In 1649 Eleanor would have been very young.

It would appear that Eleanor was considerably older than her second (or third?) husband Walter Butler, possibly a ten year age gap.

The White Family of Leixlip Co. Kildare

“Leixlip Castle, on account of its commanding position on the western side of Dublin, was subject to many attacks. The Church was burned in 1315/18. Only the Tower survived intact. The Church underwent a major restoration in 1675. Near the organ is a memorial tablet to Sir Nicholas White who died in 1654. The Castle remained in his family until about 1700.”[vi]

The White/Whyte family was a distinguished family dating back to Walter Whyte, (the son of Ethebert Whyte, Justiciary of Wales) who accompanied Strongbow to Ireland in 1169/70 and was knighted by Henry II in 1171.[vii] His descendants all served the reigning monarchs. They had a close association with the Butlers from the early 1300’s when Nicholas Whyte married the 3^rd Earl of Ormond’s daughter.

Descendant James Whyte acted as steward for the 9^th Earl of Ormond and died of food poisoning along with the Earl and sixteen others after attending the same banquet at Ely House given by Lord Dudley in 1546. Before he died, the Earl made provision for James Whyte’s son Nicholas by making a legacy to assist him to enter the Inns of Court as a law student. He entered Lincoln’s Inn as a law student, and seven years later was returned, in right of property inherited from his father, as Knight of the shire for the County Kilkenny.

This son, Sir Nicholas White (the elder) of Leixlip, Co Kildare, had a distinguished career as Seneschal of Wexford, Governor of Wexford Castle, Master of the Rolls in Ireland in 1572, and knighted in 1584. He was a favourite at the Court of Elizabeth I, and having been tutor to Lord Cecil Burghley’s children during his student days, was held in great affection. He was granted Leixlip Castle and St Catherine’s Priory in 1568. He famously wrote to Cecil of his interview with Mary Queen of Scots on a visit to her captor the Earl of Shrewsbury in 1569- this visit was not viewed favourably by the Court.

The following account was related in ‘Chapters of Dublin History’:[viii]

"On his way back from London in February, 1569, he stopped at Tutbury, ostensibly to interview the Earl of Shrewsbury about the County Wexford, but really to see the Earl's far-famed captive Mary Queen of Scots.

Of his interview with the Queen he sent a quaint account in a long letter to his friend, Lord Burghley, and tells how the Queen of Scots, understanding that a "servant of the Queen's Majesty of some credit" was in the house, came to the presence chamber and "fell in talk with him." He did not spare her feelings, according to his own account, telling her that the troubles of Ireland were then largely due to the Scottish people, that persons like himself thought she had good cause to consider herself princely entertained rather than hardly restrained, and, on her entering into "a pretty disputable comparison" between carving, painting and needlework, of which she considered painting the most commendable accomplishment, that he had heard "pictura to be veritas falsa."

With this "she closed up the talk and retired into her privy chamber," at which we can hardly feel surprised. Having satisfied his own curiosity, White, whose visit it may be remarked did not meet with approval from Elizabeth's ministers when they heard of it, went on to advise that others should not be allowed to have access to Mary. Her beauty was not comparable, he said, to that of his own sovereign, to whose charms he had fallen a ready victim, still he was forced to admit that Mary had "an alluring grace, a pretty Scottish speech, and a searching wit clouded with mildness," which might attract some persons.

In 1571 he decided to visit England again, and after some delay set out with strong testimony of good service from Sir William Fitzwilliam, who had succeeded Sir Henry Sidney as chief governor, and from Lord Chancellor Weston, who appears to have been a great friend of his. While he was in England the Master of the Rolls in Ireland died, and White was successful in obtaining the vacant office, although he does not appear to have been recommended for it by Sir William Fitzwilliam, who was urging that he should be sent back to Ireland, as his advice was much needed on the council.

In White's letter of appointment, Elizabeth, after referring to the services of his predecessor, and expressing a pious hope that he had won a better state by exchange of this worldly life, said she conferred the office upon White on account of her own knowledge of his sufficiency, but did not omit to put in a sly reminder of Sir William Fitzwilliam's own esteem for him as a councillor.

After his appointment we find White standing much on the dignity of his office, applying for a guard of six soldiers to attend upon him, and asserting his right to discharge certain functions during a vacancy in the office of Lord Chancellor.

The latter claim brought him in conflict with Archbishop Loftus, who, according to White, had all the gain, while he had the pain of business, and at the same time Sir William Fitzwilliam conceived a great dislike to him.

During the agitation against the cess in 1578 this ill-will came to a head, and for two years White was suspended from his office, more, it is said, from dislike than from cause. Lord Burghley never lost confidence in him, as appears from a letter written by White "from his reclused cell of St. Catherine's; " and on being allowed to go to England, White completely reinstated himself.

Soon after his return to Ireland in 1580 he accompanied the military expedition under Sir William Pelham to the south of Ireland, and we find him at Cashel lying in the Star Chamber, as he calls the open air, and at Waterford gathering cockles on the sea shore, and filling his pockets with bread and cheese, which he had learned to like in England, on a man-of-war.

At that time he was successful in settling several difficulties in this country, and is said to have been the author of the extraordinary trial by combat between the O'Conors in the yard of Dublin Castle but everything he did received sinister interpretation in certain quarters.

White's enemies in Ireland had been increased by the addition of Sir Henry Wallop, who while openly commending him called him in private a malicious hypocrite. By gifts of aqua vitae other things he tried to prevent his friends in England being influenced by reports of this kind, and even carried on a correspondence with the Queen herself through a certain Mistress Blanche, who lived in Lord Burghley's house, but the constant accusations against him must have done him injury.

The arrival in 1584 of Sir John Perrot as Lord Deputy promised well for him, as the Lord Deputy conferred on him immediately, in Christ Church Cathedral, the honour of knighthood, but it proved most disastrous to him, as he followed the Lord Deputy in all he did, not, he says, from affection for the man, but on account of what he thought the success of his government.

A few months after Sir John Perrot's arrival White secured the conviction of many malefactors in Leinster by "trial of their own nation," and displayed much bravery in advancing in discharge of his duties into the wilds of the County Wicklow, and Sir John Perrot subsequently employed him in all his proceedings with regard to Connaught.

Needless to say. when Sir William Fitzwilliam was sent over to replace Sir John Perrot, in 1589, the old enmity between him and White arose with fresh force, and in the following year, when charges were brought against Sir John Perrot, the Lord Deputy found little trouble in placing White under arrest. White was then in bad health and wrote piteous letters to Lord Burghley, who seems never to have quite lost confidence in him; but the tide was too strong for him.

He was sent over to London, and at once placed under restraint first at Charing Cross, and afterwards under closer surveillance in the Dean of St. Paul's house. In the beginning of 1590 he was a prisoner in the Marshalsea, and was sent in March with Sir John Perrot to the Tower, where he was kept in the closest confinement.

He appears to have undergone a trial in the Star Chamber, where he made at least one admission injurious to his friend, Sir John Perrot, and was in the end allowed to return to Ireland and restored to his office, although not to his seat on the Council. His health, however, never recovered from the effects of his long imprisonment, and his death took place in February, 1593."

Nicholas White wrote to Cecil June 10 1569:[ix]

“………. And as for poor I, of whom it hath pleased H.M. to make choice to that office (ie the Seneschal of the County Wexford) men may easily judge what may have become of me, if I had entred into that chardge before the openying of this mischief. (ie. Stukely’s treasonable dealings).

I see no remedy, for any comforte I can yet finde at my Lord Deputy’s hands, but I must either take upon me this office of Wexford to my great chardge and daunger without any maintenaunce, or els abyde to be accused to the Quene of unwillingness to serve. I humbly besought his Lordship to have some consideration of me like other Seneschalls for the wealing (wielding) of so daungerous and so chardgeable an office, he said that if I had in the begynnyng made him privy to my suet he would have provided for me, but now he could do no more but offer me the Quenes bare pleasure, which if I did refuse he would advertise her Highnes. Standyng in this extremitye I am muche perplexed, and yet in thende I have determined with my self to adventur the service what so ever shall become of me, leaving the rest to God and to the Quenes goodness.

Ffro Dublyn 10 June sd N. White

Signature of Sir Nicholas White (P. Hore Vol 6)

Sir Nicholas White’s son by wife __ Sherlock, Andrew White (d.1599), educated at Cambridge, entered Lincoln’s Inn in 1578 as a barrister from Furnival’s Inn. He inherited the lands of Dunbrody Co. Wexford and also Leixlip.

In 1585, his father wrote that to his regret Andrew preferred ‘to exercise his legs at Court rather than to sit at study in Lincoln’s Inn’.

Andrew became a Roman Catholic, and was looked upon by Sir William Fitzwilliam, who took steps to prevent his approaching the Queen while his father was a prisoner, and by Archbishop Loftus, as a dangerous conspirator involved in plots emanating from Rome and Spain.

After his father's death both Lord Burghley and his son, the first Lord Salisbury, took the most kindly interest in Andrew White's affairs, particularly with regard to the lands of Dunbrody, in the County Wexford, which he said was "the only stay his father's hard fortune had left him." In 1581 he married Margaret, daughter of Patrick Finglas, of Westpalstown, and step-daughter of Richard Netterville of Kilsallaghan.

Andrew White died at a young age on 31 July 1599 (b. bef 1560), and left a number of children, including his heir Nicholas.

Andrew White’s son, Sir Nicholas White (the younger), Knt., of Leixlip Castle, (b.1583, d.1654) restored the family to a high position, becoming a representative in the parliament for Co. Kildare. He married Ursula, daughter of Sir Gerald Moore of Mellefont 1^st Viscount Moore of Drogheda and had several issue, all of whom made advantageous marriages [x] including daughter Eleanor.
(NB. There is considerable confusion over Eleanor's parentage with some genealogical records erroneously naming Eleanor as daughter of Charles White. For reasons why this is incorrect, see endnotes.)

Sir Nicholas’ fourth son (and heir after the death of his elder sons) Charles White was Governor of Co. Kildare in 1689 and MP for Naas in James II’s Patriot Parliament. After the defeat of James II and his followers, Charles White fled to Spain where he joined the Spanish army holding the rank of Colonel.

John Cornelius O’Callaghan wrote of Charles White of Leixlip: [xi]

“Among the different families of Whites, in Ireland”, alleges Abbé Mac Geoghegan, “that of Leixlip was the most celebrated, as well for its virtues, as its opulence, magnificence, and illustrious alliances”. In the reign of James II, Charles White Esq of Leixlip, was a Member of the Royal Privy Council of Ireland- a Deputy Lieutenant to William Dongan Earl of Limerick, as Lord Lieutenant for the County Kildare- joint Member, with Lord Walter Dongan, the Earl’s son, for the Borough of Naas, in the Irish Parliament of 1689- Clerk of the First Fruits and Twentieth Parts in the Irish Court of Exchequer- and Captain of an Independent Troop or Company, in the Irish Army. Of the baronial residence of this family, or the Castle of Leixlip, an interesting notice, in 1840, alluding to that ediface as so “magnificently situated on a steep and richly-wooded bank over the Liffey,” &c states- “This castle is supposed to have been erected in the reign of Henry II, by Adam de Hereford, one of the chief followers of Earl Strongbow, from whom he received, as a gift, the tenement of the Salmon Leap, and other extensive possessions. It is said to have been the occasional residence of Prince John during his governorship of Ireland”, or rather the Anglo-Norman settlements in Ireland, “in the reign of his father, and in recent times, it was a favourite retreat of several of the Viceroys.”

Notably Eleanor’s sons by Lord Galmoy would begin their military career in Colonel Thomas Dongan’s Regiment of Foot in 1678 (viz. second son of William Dongan Earl of Limerick)

Calendar State Papers relating to Ireland Charles II with Addenda (1625-1670) has several references to Charles White:[xii]

9 March 1669 Draft for the King to the Lord Lieutenant and Lord Deputy for Charles White

On 26 February 1663, The Commissioners of Settlement adjudged Nicholas White, late of Leixlip, co Kildare, innocent, as also his deceased father Nicholas and deceased brother Arthur White. They also decreed to the first mentioned Nicholas White all manors, lands &c., of which his deceased father or brother were possessed on 22 October 1641. The said last mentioned Nicholas is since dead and the rents of his lands are enjoyed by his brother Charles, who asks for a special grant thereof to protect him against any right or interest we may have in the same by virtue of the Act of Settlement and Explanation. We grant this request. Cause some of our learned counsel there to draw up a faint in due form containing a grant accordingly, with effectual clauses. Endd. In Williamson’s hand “Charles White: from the Earl of Carlingford”. SP Ireland 348, 21

15 August 1669/70 (p218) At Court at Whitehall: Copy of Order of the Privy Council in the case of Charles White

Present: The King, the Duke of York, Prince Rupert, the Lord Keeper, and 13 other Privy Councillors.

Charles White, of Leixlip, has petitioned shewing that his father Sir Nicholas White and his brother Nicholas White,Esq., were declared innocent in the Court of Claims and restored to the quiet possession of their respective estates, and that they have been loyal and served the King. He asks that the new quit rents on his estate may be taken off. Upon report on the case from the Commissioners of the Treasury and “others the Lords appointed a Committee for the affairs of Ireland”, the King grants the petition, as to the lands restored to White by the Act of Settlement and Explanation, and of which he, &c., was in possession on 22 October 1641. The ancient rent paid by these lands is said to be about 93livre. and is still to be paid. The augmentation is 175liv. odd., and the arrears thereof, deducting the old rent, are 866 liv. odd. These are remitted. Proisoes follow, similar to those in the grant to Nicholas Purcell, of 20 Aug., 1670, except that 1) Whereas the grant to Purcell provides that he shall give this draft says that the security is to be given by White before the petitioner have any benefit of the order. (2) The direction to the Barons of the Exchequer to put these lands out of charge, which occurs Purcell’s grant, does not appear. (3) This order contains a request to Secretary Arlington to prepare forthwith a letter for the King’s signature in accordance with it.

The whole pp.2. Signed ‘Robert Southwell’. Endd. SP Ireland 328 115.

22 August 1669/70 (p236) Whitehall: The King to the Lord Lieutenant for Charles White of Leixlip in the co. Kildare

Nicholas White and his father Sir Nicholas, were adjudged innocent by the Acts of Settlement and Explanation, and Nicholas was restored to the estate of which his father was seized in 1641. Since then the said Nicholas is dead, and the profits of the estate are enjoyed by his brother Charles White, who has petitioned, etc. SP Dom Signed Office VII 346-348

Sir Nicholas (the younger) married Ursula Moore (b.c.1595-1600), younger daughter of Sir Gerald Moore of Mellefont, 1^st Viscount Drogheda (who married 1590 to Mary Colley).

Issue: 4 daughters:

1) Mary- m. Theobald Taafe 2^nd Viscount Taafe & 1^st Earl of Carlingford

–issue Nicholas Taafe 2^nd Earl of C., and Francis Taafe 3^rd Earl of Carlingford (viz. 4th son, b.1639, therefore marriage of parents occurred early 1630's).

2) Frances -m. Thomas Dillon, 4^th Viscount of Costello Gallen (b.1615- aged 15 in 1630); married before 1636. Frances d, 1674

3) Anne- m. May 1636 Christopher Fagan of Feltrim and Castle Fagan co. Dublin- their dau. Elizabeth Fagan m. bef 1659 George Hamilton 4^th Lord Hamilton Baron of Strabane co. Tyrone. Their son Claud b. Sept 1659, became 4^th Earl of Abercorn (inherited from George's grandfather 1st Earl of Abercorn)

4) Eleanor- m.1. 1651 Edmund Butler, 2^nd Viscount Galmoye-
issue: Pierce 3^rd Viscount Galmoye and Richard Butler (father of 4^th Visc. Galmoye), and daughter Margaret

m.2. 1668 Walter Butler of Munphin, Co. Wexford-
issue: Walter Butler (Junior) of Munphin

And 4 sons:

5) Nicholas (d. bet. 1663-1669),

6) Arthur (d. bef. 1669),

7) unknown son, and

8) Charles his 4^th son. Charles was married firstly to Eleanor Barnewall, younger dau of Sir Nicholas Barnewall 1^st Viscount Kingsland (who married in 1617. therefore Eleanor born mid-to late 1620's), s/o Patrick Barnewall, s/o Sir Christopher Barnewall of Turvey Sheriff of Dublin.
Charles married secondly, Mary dau. of Sir Thomas Newcomen of Sutton Co. Dublin.

The White Family History

The following information on the origins of the White family is taken from Volume 9- Notes & Queries of the Waterford & S.E. Ireland Archaelogical Society Journal.

“The family of White originally crossed to England from Saxony in the 5th century, and were then known as Vitus, Wite, or Weight (Bede). They held a distinguished position in Wales in the reign of Henry II., where Ethebert Whyte governed the southern province as Justiciary or Proconsul. His son, Chevalier Gautier White, and his brothers assisted “Strongbow," Earl of Pembroke, in the invasion of Ireland. The Whyte family established themselves in Co. Waterford and different parts of Ireland (Abbe MacGeoghan). Sir Nicholas White, Master of the Rolls, in reign of Queen Elizabeth, and owner at that time of Duncannon Castle

There is a pedigree of Sir Nicholas White's family in the College of Arms, London, with White crest and coat of arms (hand and dagger as crest, coat of arms a chev., gu. between three roses).”

Burkes Genealogical & Heraldic History 4^th Edition 1958:

Whyte of Loughbrickland – pp.762/63

Lineage- the following is derived partly from a pedigree registered in Ulster Office 1765 (Gen. Off. Dublin Castle MS 165 Reg. Peds. Vol II, pp14-20)

Walter Whyte with several of his brothers, accompanied Strongbow on his expedition to Ireland in 1170 and was knighted by Henry II in Dublin 1171. He accompanied John de Courcy to Downpatrick in 1177 and having taken a leading part in the subsequent conquest of Ulster was rewarded with large grants of land on the west shore of Strangford Lough. He was one of the five barons of Ulster created by de Courcy as Earl Palatine of Ulster. His descendants were known as the Lords of Duffrye and built castles at Ballymorran, Killinchy, Raynhaddye and Ring dufferin. His eldest son:

Sir James Whyte, served under Richard I in the Holy Wars 1191-92. He m. Amicie de Beaumont, dau of the Earl of Leicester, and had issue,

Sir Balthazar Whyte who supported King John during his expedition to Ireland when the King stayed at Ballymorran Castle in July 1210. He had issue,

Sir James Whyte, who had issue,

Maurice Whyte, m. a de Lacy of Lecale and had issue,

Walter Whyte who, with his brother Wadenus and his kinsman the de Lacys, joined Bruce in his invasion of Irealnd 1315-18. He m. the sister of John de Mandeville of Killleagh Castle and had, with other issue,

Nicholas Whyte, who with his brothers John and Richard fought at the Battle of Mullingar, 1529. He had issue,

Dominic Whyte, who had issue:

Nicholas Whyte who m. a dau of the 3^rd Earl of Ormonde and had issue:

Sir Maurice Whyte who served in France under Henry IV and Henry V where at the Siege of Rouen he led 2000 Irish, and later made Governor of Montaire under Henry VI. He was called “The Lancastrian” having served under 3 kings of the House of Lancaster. He m. a Fitzgerald and had issue:

Bartholomew Whyte m. Anne Cusack and had issue,

Nicholas Whyte of King’s Meadows co. Waterford m. Elizabeth, dau of __ Power of King’s Meadows and had issue,

James Whyte, Seigneur of King’s Meadows co. Waterford and founder of Whyte’s Hall, near Knocktopher co. Kilkenny in 1518. Henry VII granted him a lease of the Rectory of Dunkitt, co. Kilkenny 1540. He served in Scotland with James Butler 9^th Earl of Ormond; on their return to London, they and 16 others died of poisoning after a banquet at Ely House, Holborn 1546.

He m. Margaret Walsh, of co. Waterford and had issue,

Sir Nicholas Whyte, of Leixlip. Seneschal of co. Wexford and of Whyte’s Hall, Gov. of Castle of Wexford, Master of the Rolls in Ireland 1572 m.__ Sherlock and had issue,

Andrew Whyte of Leixlip, m. Margaret , dau of Patrick Finglass and d.31 July 1599, leaving issue,

Sir Nicholas Whyte, of Leixlip, aged 16 in 1599 (inq. p.m.) m. Ursula, dau of 1^st Viscount Moore, and d.1654 and had issue, including 4 sons (his 4^th son Charles mentioned in letter to Charles II from Emperor Leopold I).
NB. also 4 daughters including Eleanor who married 1.) Edmund Butler 2^nd Viscount Galmoye and 2.)Walter of Munphin

Lady Galmoy

The following document from the Ormonde Papers refers to 'Lady Galmoy', but it is unclear to which Lady Galmoy it refers. It is unlikely to be Eleanor given her age.

Copies of letters from the Duke of Ormonde to various correspondents:

Item: Ormonde to the Lords Justices- Ref MS Carte 49, fol 33- date 1 January 1661:[xiii]

Lady Galmoy is suitor for the restitution of certain lands and rectories, herein described, which were settled on her, in jointure, more than forty years since. Lord and Lady Galmoy behaved inoffensively during the rebellion, and adhered to the Peace…

In 1661 Lady Galmoy was Eleanor White wife of Edward Butler 2^nd Viscount Galmoye who died in 1667 (she married Edward c.1650). However, that does not explain why lands were settled on her “40 years since”, ie. c.1620, before her birth.

Edward’s parents were Piers Butler of Barrowmount House in Kilkenny and Margaret Netterville, dau of 1^st Viscount Netterville. Piers was killed at the Battle of Lambstown against Cromwell in 1650, and predeceased his father by three years, so had not become Viscount Galmoye. His wife Margaret was still alive when her son Edward died, however, she was never entitled ‘Lady Galmoy’. Pier’s father, Edmund Butler 1^st Visc. Galmoye, Sheriff of Co Kilkenny, died in 1653 and was married to Anne Butler, (dau of 2^nd Visc Mountgarrett) who was born c.1580- her date of death is unknown but she is thought to have outlived her husband- the above letter would therefore seem to be attributed to her.

Edward Butler 2^nd Viscount Galmoy was restored to his lands by Charles II, having been forfeited under Cromwell.

Walter Butler’s stepchildren by Lady Galmoy

On his marriage to Lady Galmoy in 1668, Walter Butler became stepfather to his wife’s young children, Pierce Butler 3^rd Viscount Galmoy (b.1652), Richard Butler (b.1659) and Margaret.

Their only child together, son and heir Walter Butler Junior was born in 1674. Little is known about their upbringing.

The Carte Papers contain the petition of Walter Butler, Esq. written shortly after his marriage, re his stepson’s lands:

Petition of Walter Butler Esquire, to the Earl of Ossory: written from [Dublin)[xiv]

4 December 1668

Is, in the right of his wife, as her “thirds”, and as Trustee for Lord Viscount Galway (sic. Galmoy), during his minority, possessed of said Lord Viscount Galway’s estate, in the county of Kilkenny…..

It is now charged “in the Books of applotment for agents…. Equally with profitable land”, whereas much of this land is mountainous and unprofitable…

With prayer for reduction of the charge complained of.

The Earl of Ossory’s replied[xv], but the content has not been revealed: An Order by the Earl of Ossory, upon the Petition calendered above: written from Dublin Castle 4 December 1668.

Interestingly just two years later the following document reveals that the young Lord Galmoy and his grandmother wrote a similar petition to the King:[xvi]

The King to the Lord Lieutenant for Viscount Galmoy, 20 August 1670, Whitehall

Lord Galmoy, who is an infant, and his grandmother have petitioned for remission of the new quit rents on his estate. It formerly paid to 57 l. odd a year and the rent has now been raised to 353 l. odd and a great part of the land subject to the new quit rent is mountainous and barren. In consideration of the services of Lord Galmoy’s father and grandfather and of the poverty of his grandmother whose husband, dying in our service, left the care of 12 children upon her, we declare our will and pleasure that the said new quit-rents and the arrears thereof be altogether remitted. Letters patents shall pass accordingly.

The fact that the 18 year old Lord Galmoy and his grandmother applied for remission of quit rents rather than his mother and stepfather is of interest. Lord Galmoy may have taken over the control of his inheritance. Obviously his grandmother Margaret (Netterville) was still living on the Galmoy estate, whereas Pierce Lord Galmoy was probably living at Munphin. This may have been the beginning of a battle of wills between Pierce and his stepfather over control of his estate which would continue for several years. Pierce’s uncles also disputed ownership of various properties in the Galmoy estate, probably the properties on which their mother, Margaret Netterville, had been residing.

Chancery Bills 1669-1691[xvii]

After Walter’s marriage with Dame Eleanor in 1668, he was a party to the following Chancery Bills:

20 Nov 1669- Richard Butler and Edmond Butler v. Arthur Lord Viscount Ranelagh, Dame Eleanor Galmoy and Walter Butler. (Richard and Edmond were Edward 2^nd Viscount Galmoy’s brothers, Eleanor’s brothers-in-law)

30 June 1674- Walter Butler and Dame Eleanor Galmoy his wife v. Pierce Lord Galmoy, James Hackett etc.

15 April 1675- Pierce Lord Viscount Galmoy v. Walter Butler and the Lady Viscountess Galmoy his wife.

The dispute was finally resolved. The following reference in the Ormond Deeds refers to an agreement between Walter and his stepson Pierce about his mother, Lady Galmoy’s dowry lands:

Ormond Deed D4860 2^nd November 1675 [xviii]

Award between Pierce Viscount Galmoy and Walter Butler of Munfin Co. Wexford and Dame Eleanor his wife (widow of late Visc. Galmoy). Walter and Eleanor to pay the viscount £960.11.8, and she is to have the grant for the life of Dame Eleanor of Upper and Lower Grange, and Fartagh, co. Kilkenny, and one third of the tithes of Ballyvaddin Co Kilkenny. (her dower) in Upper and Lower Grange, and Fartagh, co. Kilkenny.

28 May 1685- Edmond Butler (Pierce’s uncle) v. Pierce Butler Lord Galmoy and Walter Butler etc.[xix]

23/24 May 1688- Walter Butler had a mortgage from Pierce Butler 3^rd Viscount Galmoy secured on the lands of Lower Grange in the barony of Gowran Co Kilkenny in two sums of £600 and £500 and he entered his claim for this at Chichester House before August 1700, [xx] the former mortgage being dated 23/24 May 1687. This claim is marked ‘Allowed and Referred’.

In 1691 Walter executed a Bond to Patrick Lambert of £800 payment of a loan of £400 lent by him to said Walter Butler, who neglecting to pay in due course the said Patrick entered judgement against said Butler in 1691 and died in 1695 intestate. [xxi] This transaction was brought before the Equity Courts in 1722 by his widow. (see full transcription after Walter’s death.)

Cromwellian Transplantees and the Butler family petition

Walter was underage during the Catholic Confederation rebellion (1641-49) in which his father, Colonel Pierce Butler (of Kayer, also of Clough & Moneyhore ) played an active role as Commander-in-Chief of the rebel forces in Co. Wexford and on the Supreme Council of the Confederates, and therefore, as an “innocent”, could not be held accountable for his father’s actions. It is unknown whether he was living in Paris with his elder brother Edward during the period of the uprising, but it was highly likely that the family were together during this time. Their father Pierce died c.1652-53. Edward, as the heir to his father’s confiscated estate, was ordered to transplant to Connaught.[xxii]

In 1664, Walter, along with his brothers James and John, and Katherine FitzHenry alias Butler, who is presumed to be either their mother or sister [xxiii], presented a petition to Charles II, appealing for the return of their father’s confiscated property. The petition described them as “being in great poverty”, due to the loss of their inherited lands.

The Petition to King Charles II following the Restoration, presented in about 1664, by Katherine FitzHenry alias Butler and by James, John and Walter, the younger children of Pierce Butler of Moneyhore, co Wexford, deceased, shewing that:- [xxiv]:

“Pierce Butler died in the Usurpers’ time, having lost his estate by the said Usurpers. Pierce’s eldest son, Edward, was certified as loyal by the Duke of Ormond at the restoration, and your Majesty, by letters to Lords Justices Orrery and Mountrath, in October 1641. Edward, getting no benefit of these letters, claimed restoration before the Court of Claims, and also claimed the interests settled upon the petitioners by their father. Had it been heard, this claim must have succeeded, since Pierce Butler was always loyal and Edward was in Paris from his eighth year till his father’s death. At the end of the time limited for hearing claims, Edward’s claim was twice placed in the list for hearing, ‘but, by the subtle artifices of those interested in the said estate, was both times before the days intended for his hearing, struck off the said list… his said antagonists well knowing there was no other way…. to deprive him or the said younger children of their right.’

Edward then petitioned the Lord Lieutenant to direct a hearing of the claim aforesaid and the Commissioners were ready to grant the petition, but they were occupied with other cases in the last days of their sittings and the petitioners’ claim was never heard. They are consequently in great poverty ‘and the said estate possessed all by a very inconsiderable company of Anabaptists and Quakers, some whereof were taken and their letters intercepted going to join with that regicide Ludlow in the said Kingdom, notwithstanding your Majesty’s proclamation against him before that time; and others of them were actually in the plot that was intended at Dublin’ against the Lord Lieutenant.

It is ‘contrary to all the rules of Christianity” (that) petitioners should lose their estate without being heard, and they believe it is not your Majesty’s intention that they should be ‘indirectly shuffled out of their right.’

They pray a reference to the Duke of Ormond for certificate of the truth of the facts alleged above, and for an opinion as to how they should be relieved ‘upon the passing of these Bills now before your Majesty relating to the further settlement’ of Ireland, by provision for their being heard or otherwise.”

As outlined in the previous chapter (9) on the sons of Pierce Butler, Captain Thomas Barrington "in satisfaction of arrears of military pay, and as purchaser of 2,500 acres of land in the county of Wexford, late the property of Pierce Butler of Mount-Hore", including 'Templescoby, Davidstowne, Ballygisny, Cloghassia', part of Moneyhore and adjoining townlands' (MS Carte 33 fol. 395- 11 May 1664), whereas Captain Robert Thornhill was granted 'in satisfaction of his military services the beautiful demesne of Kayer and several adjacent properties.' (P.H. Hore, History of Wexford, V.6, pp517, 591)

Edward had been ordered to transplant to Connaught by 1653 by Cromwell, as his father's heir, receiving 496 acres in Galway in a final settlement, dated June 1657.

In April, 1667, a lease was signed between: [Captain] 'Thomas Barrington Esq, Walter Butler of Clogh and Edward Butler of Monihore Esq’s for the term of 2000 years at the rent of £40 payable to Barrington and his heirs.'

In 1680, Capt. Barrington’s son and heir, Thomas Barrington, then signed a deed of lease and release with Sir Abel Ram, banker and goldsmith of Dublin, Alderman, and later, Lord Mayor of Dublin, the son and heir of Abel Ram of Gorey in Wexford who died in 1676: 'Deeds of Lease and Release dated April 1680 between Barrington, of Ballymackehan Co Wexford, Gent, and Abel Ram of Dublin, Alderman, whereby the said Barrington for the sum of £100 (?) sold to the said Ram and his heirs all the lands granted to him in the Barony of Bantry set down in the Act of Settlement Book vol 2, p.119,120 with a clause of Warranty against any Claim (except one lease tripartite dated April 1667 made between Thomas Barrington of Wexford Esqr, Walter Butler of Clogh and Edward Butler of Monihore, Co Wexford, Esq’s, for the term of 2000 years at the rent of £40 payable to Barrington and his heirs, which rent of said Walter Butler was to pay to the said Ram and his heirs.)

Enrolled 8 May 1680.'

(NAI Lodge/8/157, ‘Grant of an Indenture to Thomas Barrington in Wexford’, Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland)

Notably, Walter is described as 'Walter of Clogh'- this was most likely, Cloghass (Clohass) which was listed in the 'Place Names' on brother Edward's Will of 1676, and one of the properties left to them by their father Pierce.

Map of Barony of Bantry, part of the lands of Pierce Butler- Wilton als Kayer, town of Clough (on the opposite side of the Boro River), Moneyhore, Davidstown, Ballygillistown, Clohass/Cloghass, Templescoby, Ballyknockan, Ballyeland, etc.

In that same year of 1664, a ‘Walter Butler’, (who may be the son of Pierce, but does not specify), petitioned the King and stated [xxv]:

Walter Butler to the King.

Petition showing that he lost an estate of 700 l.(ie.₤) a year in Ireland, as is well known to the Duke of Ormonde, Lord Lieutenant, though the petitioner was but twelve months old when the rebellion first broke out, and, the petitioner having waited in England three years without any redress and being willing to serve in the new levies, praying the command of a foot company in the first new regiment or to be lieutenant of horse.

If this document does refer to Walter of Munphin, he states he was 12 months old when the rebellion started (in 1642), ie b.c.1641. However, the petitioner may also refer to several other persons of that name, related to Ormond.

He continued, requesting that the King grant him the command of a company of foot in the first new regiment or to be appointed Lieutenant of Horse. It is unknown whether his request was granted.

He may have been the Captain Walter Butler, one of several Irish officers formerly of His Majesty’s Royal Ensigns who served the King in Flanders during his exile. The Irish peers and the ensign-men (soldiers) who had supported Charles II during his exile were especially mentioned in “His Majesty’s Gracious Declaration for the settlement of his Kingdom of Ireland, etc.” of November 30, 1660, as deserving of the highest gratitude:

And whereas divers persons for most of whom a general provision is made by this Our Declaration, have for reasons known unto Us, in an especial manner merited Our Grace and Favour, particularly, (names 37 persons including several Butler peers) the Lord Viscount Mountgarrett, the Lord Viscount Ikerryn, the Lord Viscount Galmoy, the Lord Baron of Dunboyne, etc. We do hereby declare, that they, and every one of them, without being put to any further proof, shall be restored to their former estates, according to the Rules and Directions in the last foregoing Clause of this Our Declaration, concerning such as continued with Us, or served faithfully under Our Ensignes beyond the Seas, many of whose names hereafter follow, (a further six pages of names follow, including Captain Walter Butler).[xxvi]

As most of those named on the list, apart from the Irish peers, had still not been restored and were in dire straits financially, Captain Walter Butler was one of many who petitioned the King in 1665 for the restoration of their estates in Ireland.[xxvii] Whether these references are relevant cannot be determined. Notably Walter Butler’s future wife’s husband Edward Lord Galmoy was one of the 37 privileged Irishmen named to be restored their properties by Charles II as they were part of the Court in exile and close to the Marquis of Ormonde.

The Munphin estate in Co. Wexford

Despite the family’s loss of their vast Wexford estate, Walter, by virtue of his very advantageous marriage and his entrepreneurial disposition, acquired sizeable property grants under the Act of Settlement and Explanation,[xxviii] and purchased further lands from Cromwellian adventurers who either died or sold their assigned lands, in addition to taking possession of some of his stepson Pierce Lord Galmoy’s lands under a deed of trust[xxix] following his exile to France which Walter leased out for considerable rental income. Although Walter was already named as ‘Walter Butler of Monpine’ in his brother Edward’s will in 1676,[xxx] he was finally granted freehold ownership of the estate of Ballinturner (ie. the Munphin estate) and Tominoole in the Barony of Scarawalsh, 352 acres on May 8, 1683, following a directive from Whitehall dated March 1, 1683.[xxxi]

This report indicates that Walter was already in possession of Munphin House when he was granted the surrounding acreage.

It is unclear whether Walter built Munphin House or whether it already existed. In the 1640 Civil Survey, the lands of ‘Ballinturner and Monfine’, being described as containing “a stone house, 2 mills and 2 weares”, were held by the Irish O’Brienes and Sir Morgan Kavanagh (of Clonmullen).[xxxii]

Munphin House

Despite the upheavals faced by Catholic landholders during the decades following the defeat of James II and his followers in 1689-91, Walter would continue to live at Munphin throughout his life and it became the birthplace of his son Walter Junior and his grandchildren.

This line of Butlers became identified as the “Butlers of Munphin/Munfin”.

Walter Butler’s Properties

Munfin/Monphin/Mountfin is located near the present village of Castledockrell, opposite Ballycarney on the river Slaney. On the Ordnance Survey map[xxxiii], it is now spelt Mountfin, and is also known as Ballinturner

The 1837 Samuel Lewis Topographical Dictionary of Ireland [xxxiv] describes Munfin in the description of Monart-

“Munfin, of Edw. Cary, Esq., beautifully situated on the margin of the Slaney, sheltered by a richly wooded eminence, and commanding an extensive view of the luxuriant scenery on the banks of the river.”

Map of Barony of Scarawalsh, County Wexford, showing Munphin

An article written by Rolf Loeber & Magda Stouthamer-Loeber has the following information on Munfin [xxxv]:

“Documents make it clear that as early as 1609, the Clerk of the Royal Works in Ireland, Samuel Molyneux, regularly lived on his property at Mountfin and surrounding lands opposite Ballycarney.

It is quite possible that Samuel Molyneux was responsible for the building of the pleasant residence at Mountfin, which unfortunately was pulled down circa 1970. It showed a degree of sophistication that was rarely found in Irish architecture of the sixteenth century. A main square block had four tower projections. Symmetrically placed chimney stacks adjoined the towers and obstructed their defensive capacity. The house had regularly spaced windows and one classical moulded string course that broke the monotony of the wall surfaces. When the photograph was taken, the walls must already have seriously bulged, considering the wall ankers in the right hand tower, connected to the other frontal tower by three steel cables, running in front of the house. Because of its non-defensive design, the house probably originally stood in a walled enclosure.” “

Note 21: Contemporary documents show that the largest part of the property of Mountfin and the nearby Tomgarrow were owned by two members of the Breine family (Note: and Sir Morgan Kavanagh) (Civil Survey p278:Inq.cancell. Hib,repert., Chas II nos 9,11,30): the ownership in the early seventeenth century is less clear; it is possible that Molyneaux was only a tenant.

Additional information and a photograph was kindly supplied by the late R. Eustace, who lived at Mountfin as a youth. His recollections were that an asymmetrically placed hall faced the front with a drawing room on the right hand side. A large dining room and the kitchen occupied the back portion of the main floor. Smaller rooms were in the towers. It should be made clear that contemporary records do not reveal when Mountfin was built. It is not clearly mentioned in the Civil Survey, while the map of the barony of Scarawalsh in 1657 possibly shows a small building at this site. (P.R.O.I., Clayton MS no 27.)”

Note 20: “Letters patent of the period make frequent mention of Mountfin, also called Ballyturner, and surrounding lands, which had been confiscated after the Tyrone war. Documents indicate that Molyneux held woods closely as early as 1611, that he ‘was in … occupation of these lands in 1614, …. and was active in the area at least as late as 1624… and died at St. John’s south of Enniscorthy, a property acquired by his brother Daniel in 1615. “(NB. significantly, the property near St John’s just south of Enniscorthy, is also named Monfin.)

Munfin, Munphin, Monphin, Mumphin, Mountfin, Monpine, Monfin, and Monfyne are all spellings found in various documents.

The Civil Survey for “Tampellsanvogh Parish” (Templeshanbo), a stone house, 2 mills and 2 weares:

Denomination of land: Baliduffe, Ballinturner, Monfine, Cuccleierre (Coolecleere), and Tomgarrow.

One thousand, two hundred and three score acres: Wood 100 acres, Arable 1160 acres;

Value in year1640- ₤60

The said lands were in the yeare 1640 held as the Inheritance of Breine McDaniell McOure 315 acres; Lisagh McMorrogh 515 acres; Garralt O’Breine 315 acres; and Sir Morgane Kavanagh 115 acres.

The soyle with improvement will yield wheat, rye, barley and oates.

Griffiths Valuation map of Mountfin/Munphin House with several outbuildings on the banks of the Slaney river, and surrounded by farmland

Walter Butler’s properties were sold to William Bridges by the executors of his will, and in the Griffiths Valuation of 1853, the lands of Mountfin/Ballinturner (now in the Parish of Ballycarney) were owned by Rev. Henry Bridges and Maria Squirl. The section numbered ‘4’ which included Mountfin House (see Griffiths valuation maps), named Maria Squirl was the occupier, but the owner was Henry Bridges. So, it would appear that the property remained in the hands of the Bridges family.

The Books of Survey and Distribution of the Forfeited Estates in the County of Wexford 1641-1701, [xxxvi] sets out the acreages, the previous owner, and the grantees of lands confiscated by Cromwell following his defeat of the rebels, and the subsequent transplantation to Connaught. The re-grants continued after the restoration of Charles II. Although the grants were made after 1655/56 and up until 1701, the pages do not give the exact date of the grants. As Walter was born in c.1645, his grants would have been made sometime after he reached his majority in c.1666, and probably after his very advantageous marriage to Eleanor, Lady Galmoy in 1668.

In the Barony of Scarawalsh:

Templeshanvogh Parish:

32. Ballinevaheran & Kebanure (849 acres)- 283 acres- Oliver Wheeler a Protestant, Walter Butler (ie. Boolynavoughran & Killanure -283 ac- Henry Kenny Protestant W; -283 ac- Patrick Colcough

(According to Herbert Hore’s records, he stated that Patrick Colclough’s name was crossed out and Walter Butler’s name inserted. However, the copy of the records sent to me by the NLI does not have this.)

Previous owner (in 1641) Sr Morgan Cavanagh of Clonmullen, Irish Papist.

The land previously owned by Sir Morgan Kavanagh [xxxvii] in the Blackstairs Mountain area, at ‘Keybanure’ (ie. Killanure) 283 acres, and ‘Ballinevaharan’ (ie. Boolynavoughran) was just south of Bunclody/Newtownbarry.

Of the original 849 acres belonging to Sir Morgan Kavanagh, 437 acres were designated “waste, mountainous, boggy, and unprofitable lands”.

Herbert Hore describes the area around Newtownbarry/Bunclody following the rebellion:

“The Newtownbarry estate was first the patrimony of the Kavanaghs of Clonmullen Castle. Cromwell made a clean sweep of the Kavanaghs and left this part of the County so desolate that the furze-bushes grew to such a height, the magpies built their nests in them.”[xxxviii]

The land is very close to Clonmullen Castle, and at the base of Mt Leinster and Black Rock Mountain, in a narrow valley set into the Blackstairs Mountains, also near the site of an ancient burial ground and Holy well. This area, which belonged to the McMurrough Kavanaghs the royal family of Leinster, is of great historical importance to the Kavanagh clan. In a map of Land Ownership in 1704, by Daniel Gahan [xxxix], the owner of the land near the Blackstairs Mountains area is ‘unknown’. Notably, Brian Cantwell’s “Memorials of the Dead” grave inscriptions has a memorial of Joseph Byrne of Ballynavoeran d. 25 Jan 1800, died aged 75, viz. b 1725. [xl]

36. Ballymore, Ballychristicke, Carragnegree and Clorogibegg (596 acres)- Oliver Wheeler prot, Walter Butler. (now Bola More, Ballycrysal, Bolacurragh, ClorogeBeg- surrounding Butler’s Cross Rds between Templeshanbo and Mt Leinster)

Previous owner- Sr Morgan Cavanagh

42. Coranroe (now Carranroe near Munfin) (830 acres)-Wm Lambe, Walter Butler, Margaret Thickness

Previous Owner- Edward Sinnott

43. Ballynehallyn (now Ballynelahillan W of Munfin) (186 acres) Walter Butler Previous owner- Lewis Brine, Irish Papist

45. Toomegarrow with Coolegarry (now Tomgarrow S of Munfin; Coolgarrow NW of Munfin), Monphine & Ballyduffe Members (?) (1279 acres)- 36 ac- John Sheely, Walter Butler; 37.2 acres- Godfrey Keyler & ffrancis Kenny’ 29.2 ac -Constantine Neale; 10 ac- Thomas Wood; 600 acres Margaret Thickness, Walter Butler; 25 acres Thomas Evans; 262 acres & 142 acres Wm Lambe = Walter Butler (NB. the 2 parcels, each with Wm Lambe are bracketed, followed by Walter Butler). Previous Owner-Bryan McDaniell McOwre

William Lambe was named as Titulado in this area, including Ballyduffe (adjacent to Munfin but does not name it specifically) and Coolecleere (also Cuccleierre- ie. Coolgarrow), in the 1659 polltax census. [xli] Ballyduffe was described as having 5 English and 2 Irish living there. The whole Barony of Scarawalsh contained 131 English, 971 Irish, totalling 1102 persons.

It would appear that although Wm Lambe was originally granted this land, Walter Butler was re-granted the land in 1683:

On 8 May 1683, Walter Butler of Munfin Esq. had a grant under the Act of Settlement and Explanation, of Ballinturner (Munfin) and Tononenowyle (Tomanoole) in the Barony of Scarwalsh Co Wexford, 352 acres at £4. [xlii]

The 15^th Annual Report (1825) has the following information: [xliii]

Roll, 35^th Ch.II, first part: Wexford, 14: WALTER BUTLER, of Munphin, esq- Ballinturner and Tominenowlye, 352 A, 4l; bar. Scarwalsh, Date 8^th May 35^th year- Inrolled 22^nd June 1683

State Papers: Reference to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland of the petition of Walter Butler for a grant to him in fee simple of lands whereunto his Majesty’s title is found, which he shall pitch upon, of the clear yearly value of 40/. Over and above the quit rent, Dated March 1, 1683. Place of Writing: Whithall. [xliv]

This would appear to refer to the grant above, and the grant of Ballinturner was probably as a result of this directive to the Lord Lieutenant.

(In fee simple means freehold ownership; quit rent was an annual payment or land tax imposed by the Crown/grantor on the grantee of the freehold land which absolved the owner from other service/feudal obligations.)

However, Walter Butler of Monpine was named as executor to his brother Edward’s will in 1676 (BTR70), seven years previous to the grant. Whether he purchased/leased the three land parcels from John Sheely, Margaret Thickness, and William Lambe, or their heirs, before his grant in 1683, is unknown.

46. Ballynekill , Ballymcwilliam, Roe & Toomnenole (all S-Sw of Munfin) (714 acres)- 149 ac- Coll Carey Dillon; 38.2.16 acres Sr Peter Courthrop, Walter Butler; 435.2.27- Alexander Barrington.

Previous owner- Edmond Hyre, Irish Papist

47. Ballyhumblety & Knockduffe (now Ballyhamilton and Knockduff near Sroughmore, W of Munfin) (555 acres)- 119 ac John Morrise & Robert Clayton; 44.2.27 ac- Wm Ivory; 32.2.26 ac- Thos Collings; 114 ac- Margaret Thickness, Walter Butler; 224.2.27 ac- Patrick Colclough

Previous Owner- Dudley Colcough and Edward Sinnott, Irish Papist.

Notably grant numbers 50 to 53 (total 2101 acres), previously owned jointly by Dudley Colclough and Pierce Butler (Walter’s father)- Mangan & Tincurry, Munglasse, Kemnespine, Kittereagh were granted to Mathew Stoddard, Christian Barr, and Patrick Colclough (Mangan & Tincurry), and the rest to Morrise and Clayton.

No 54 (1585 acres) owned by Dudley Colclough, Pierce Butler and Joseph Farrell- Mognart & Keillesa- also granted to Morrise & Clayton.

In the Barony of Bantry: Killegny Parish

60. Rathurtin (now Rathturtin)- 250 acres: Elias Shee, Walter Butler 250; 250 acres Protestant Interest W Thesd:Butler 250

The lands (250 acres) of Rathurtin in the Barony of Killegny, in the 1641 Civil Survey, was owned by

__ White of Dublin, Protestant (although in the Book of Survey and Distribution, Rathurtin appears to be in the parcel of lands of Killegny designated as previously belonging to James Butler (of Mountgarrett), although notably Rathurtin is shown separately from the other bracketed parcels, and appears to be unnumbered in the document.) White of Dublin may have been a close relative of Walter’s wife, Eleanor White, possibly her father Sir Nicholas White (of Leixlip, on the border of Counties Kildare and Dublin) who was alive until 1654, or her brother Charles, and this may have been part of her dower lands or inheritance.

The land adjoined the rest of the Killegny lands that belonged to Walter’s father’s cousin James Butler of Bealaboro second son of 2^nd Visc. Mountgarret. It lay adjacent to the lands of Kayer and Moneyhore. The Castle of Bealaboro was the residence of Sir Walter Butler of Kilcash, Knight, in the time of James I, and was alienated without licence, before 1608, to James Butler of Tinnehinch [xlv] (and of Bealaboro), who owned the parish in 1641. Sir Walter Butler (1559-1633) of Kilcash became the 11^th Earl of Ormond following the death of his uncle, the 10^th Earl Black Tom, in 1614; imprisoned in the Tower for eight years and dispossessed of the Ormond estates and inheritance due to his Catholic faith and known as “Walter of the Beads”- married Helena Butler, dau of 2^nd Visc Mountgarrett, sister of James Butler of Bealaborrow (Co. Wexford) ie. the Earl’s brother-in-law. (Walter and Helena’s grandson James Butler inherited the title and was created 1^st Duke of Ormonde by Charles II.) James and Helena’s sister Ann married Edward Butler 1^st Viscount Galmoye- Edward’s mother Catherine Fleming, married firstly Piers Butler of Duiske ie.father of 1^st Visc Galmoye, and married secondly James Butler of Tinnehinch and Bealaborrow, brother of Ann and Helena, above. James Butler born c.1580. Their sister Eleanor married Morgan Kavanagh of Borris.

The Killegny Parish bordered the Parish of Kilany, comprising about 5000 acres at Rathduffe, Glanglasse, Ballinling, Grange and Rathinure, belonging to Lord Visc. Gallmoy. Originally granted to the Hollow Blades Company, Galmoy successfully petitioned for their return after the Restoration. Walter was named as tenant of these lands in the Forfeiture Claims in 1703.

Blake Butler wrote: According to the Book of Survey and Distribution, Walter had 250 acres in the Parish of Killegny Barony of Bantry, 1802 acres in the Parish of Templeshan and Templeshanvogh in the Barony of Scarawalsh (the latter including Munfin) disposed of to him, but by what authority is not disclosed- none of these lands had been owned by his father or other of his relatives in October 1641 (Civil Survey). [xlvi]

Munfin seems to have been granted to adventurers and soldiers by 18 Charles II, 1666. [xlvii]

In November 1685, Sir Lawrence Esmond 2nd Bt, granted lands in Wexford, Wicklow and Carlow to Walter Butler of Munfin Co Wexford and Patrick Colclough of Moghurry (Mochurry, Templeshanbo Parish). [xlviii]

Lawrence Esmonde was married to Lucia Butler, daughter of Hon. Col. Richard Butler of Kilcash, brother of the James 1st Duke of Ormonde.

RCBL Ms 104/3/153- Indenture between Sir Lawrence Esmonde 2nd baronet on the one part, and Patrick Colclough and Walter Butler on the other for land in Wexford, Wicklow and Carlow, dated 22 November 1685. (Translated extracts from the patent Rolls of Chancery)

(Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland)

Walter Butler and Patrick Colclough were not holders of all these valuable lands of Esmonde, so it would appear this Indenture was enacted in case of his death (which occurred in 1688) with the lands actually held in trust for Lawrence Esmonde's son and heir who was a minor, with Walter and Patrick acting as feoffees in trust. Lawrence's wife Lucia Butler died 17 April 1685, just seven months prior to this document, and he then married Lucy Kavanagh. Maybe this Indenture was to prevent the lands ending up in the hands of the Kavanaghs of Clonmullen, the family of his second wife, Lucy Kavanagh, and Morgan Kavanagh the MacMurrough of Borris who was married to his eldest daughter Frances, thereby preserving the lands for his son and heir Lawrence.

When Lawrence Esmonde’s son and heir Lawrence 3^rd Bt was indicted for high treason in 1699, Walter gave an affidavit on his behalf stating he was one of Lawrence’s feoffees in trust, and that he was a minor sent to France before the troubles and was never in any office against his Majesties.[xlix] Lawrence Esmonde 2^nd Bt (Snr) died in Sept 1688. Whether this was related to the above land transaction is unknown.

(feoffee in trust meant Walter held the inheritable lands in trust for Esmond’s son until he came of age.)

In 1684 Walter had a grant of Collatten etc Barony of Scarawalsh Co Wexford from Colonel Edward Kenny and Frances his wife, which property he let to Eustace Power of Moydey Co Wexford for 31 years in June 1710. [l] (see Book of Distribution: No 30- Cullrattine 113ac- Mr Kenny, a Prot. -grantee)

The nearest major town to Munphin was Enniscorthy.

Nicholas Furlong gives the following description of the town of Enniscorthy:

“The town of Enniscorthy’s origins are found on the early Christian place of worship at Templeshannon. The missionary Senan, said to have been a scholar under St David of Wales and an associate of St Aidan of Ferns, founded his missionary strongpoint above the River Slaney’s tidal limit, around 540 AD.”

“Enniscorthy had gradually expanded to become a busy market town with the individual characteristics enjoyed today on both sides of the River Slaney. The impressive stone bridge was built in 1690 and stimulated the town’s expansion. The citizen’s houses of the time were thatched like the vast majority of houses on the county. Because of the fire hazard in thatch a fire brigade or fire service was organised, one of the first in Irish urban municipalities. Their services were urgently needed in 1731 when 42 houses were lost to fire. They had to contend with four major conflagrations in the 18^th century in 1707, 1731, 1752 and again in the two battles for Enniscorthy in 1798.

An estate map for the absentee landlord, the earl of Portsmouth, in 1729, gives a portrait of a growing Enniscorthy, the Slaney banks of the town were poorly developed with only two small wharves, one at Templeshannon and one at the ironworks. This area was mostly occupied by the manor house, garden and orchard of the Wallops. Irish Street is shown as very well settled, with its Mass house discreetly tucked in at the end furthest away from the town. A series of lanes, Walter Lane, Pie Lane, and Blind Lane are also shown. The church of the Established Church was unobtrusive. Templeshannon appears as a wide street, opening on the bridge with Templeshannon House as its most imposing feature. Based on the number of shoues shown, Enniscorthy may have had a population of about 1500 at the time, indicating a growth of 50% since 1660.

The 1785 Portsmouth rental is detailed, listing every house, cabin and open space in the town. The most striking feature is the way in which the town was responding to the expanding tillage economy. At Enniscorthy’s fairs, the rental tells us, ‘great quantities of cattle, sheep, hogs, malt, corn, leather and woollen goods were on display’. The rentals demonstrate the impact of the corn boom on Enniscorthy. It lists fifteen malt-houses, three drying kilns, distilleries and a brewery. Other industrial activities included tan-yards, a salt and lime works, a woollen manufactury, a bleach and a timber yard. [li]

The Holy Relic

Hilary Murphy in his book “Families of Co. Wexford” [lii] wrote:

“During the last quarter of the seventeenth century there was a Mass station at Munfin in the parish of Kilrush where the priest was under the protection of Sir Toby Butler (Solicitor General for James II and chief draughtsman on the Irish side for the Treaty of Limerick, following the Battle of the Boyne.) The fine avenue at the rear of Munfin House was constructed by Sir Toby, for the convenience of the Catholics of Kilrush Parish to enable them to attend Mass.

Colonel Walter Butler MP for Wexford in 1689, lived at Munfin and in his private chapel he kept a relic reputed to be a portion of the True Cross brought from Rome for the use of the Ferns Cathedral by Bishop French.”

There appear to be many legends about these Holy Relics, namely portions of the True Cross. An earlier account of Donal Spainneach Kavanagh[liii] of Clonmullen (the MacMurrough) by Fr. Wall, noted that Donal held a meeting of the Kavanaghs on Good Friday of 1608. This meeting so disturbed the authorities that Donal confessed the meeting but said it was held on Good Friday to “make offering to a piece of wood which was of the Holy Cross, as they were made to believe. It is a relic but lately come from Rome.” [liv] Whether this was the same Relic supposedly held by Walter Butler is unknown. There is some confusion about the exact date of acquisition of this Relic, and who originally held it.

The documentation which had come from Rome with the relic was lost during Cromwell’s time and Bishop John Verdon (1709-1728) advised Walter Butler to make a deposition, testifying to the authenticity of the relic. A copy of this deposition was given to Bishop James Keating by Father John Corrin, parish priest of Wexford, on 14 April 1828, and is now in the Diocesan archives: [lv]

I Doe hereby Depose and testify in the Presence of Almighty God that the Relicke of the Holy Cross in a Silver Case which is at present in my Custody, & has been so for several years past, has beene in my Grandfather Edward Butler of Monihores time as I have been Credibly told was sent from Rome by the Right Revd. Father in God Nicholas ffreanch Lord Bishop of ffernes with Authenticke attestation in parchment and a great Seall to itt, of it’s being a true piece of the Holy Cross on which our Blessed Saviour suffered with Derections that itt should be always Carefully preserved, and Kept from time to time in my said Grandfathers and his posterities Custody, for the use of the Cathederall Church of ffernes aforesaid, and for as Much as the said Authentick attestation from Rome, with some Pattents and Writings belonging to the said family, was lost in Crummels time, by ye advice of the Right Revd father in God Doctor John Verdon, our present Lord Bishop of this Dioces of ffernes, have made this Deposition before him; and Doe Certify the same under my hand & seale in my Chappel of Munphyn Saint Basilius Day being the fourteen day of June in the year of our Lord God one thousand seven hundred and sixteen, and in the seventy odd year of my age, to the End this my Deposition and Testemony may be preserved to posterity.

Wa: Butler

(Note in left margin: this is a true Copy Mary Butler, viz his daughter-in-law)

Bishop Verdons’ Statement:

I do affirm Coll Walter Butler of Munphyn, whose hand & seal is to the foregoing deposition, has avow’d all the Contents, as therein inserted, in my presence, & that having inquired into and examined all I could the Truth of the same: cannot doubt but the forementioned Cross in a silver case, is part of the true Cross upon which our Blessed Saviour suffered, and that the same was sentt with authentick attestation, as usual in such Cases, by my predecessor, of good Memory Nicholas ffrench Lord Bishop of fferns, to be kept and preserved for the Cathedrall Church of this Diocess: in Witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand & seal the day year & place as above.

John Verdon

One part of the statement is confusing- Walter states that the Cross was in the custody of his grandfather Edward Butler of Moneyhore, yet he also says it was brought from Rome by Bishop Nicholas French, however, Edward died in 1628 (aged 51 yrs), before French’s time as Parish priest. Walter’s grandfather’s time equates with the story about the Kavanagh’s Cross, and Edward was a contemporary of Donal Spainneach, whom he knew well.

It may have come to Edward Butler through his father-in-law, Sir Richard Masterson, Seneschal of Wexford, who was appointed to control the Kavanaghs and Irish clans in that County. Masterson possibly confiscated the relic from the Kavanaghs, and when he died in 1627 the year before Edward, it may have come into Edward’s possession through his wife Catherine Masterson, heiress of her father’s estate.

Dr. Nicholas French [lvi] (1604-1678) was appointed bishop of Ferns Diocese in 1646, many years after the Kavanagh clan meeting, however, the Kavanaghs may have handed over the Relic to Dr. French for safe keeping following the death of Donal in 1631, who then may have given it to Pierce Butler when the clergy were exiled from Ireland by Cromwell. Alternatively, French may have brought the relic home with him after finishing his studies at Louvain, which was probably when he was in his early to mid twenties, about the time of Edward’s death.

Whichever manner of acquisition was the truth, Walter would have gained custody after his father’s death, and his brother Edward’s death in 1676.

Walter Butler at Westminster in 1684

Walter Butler is named on the list of ‘Passes to the Following Persons in 1683’ [lvii]:

Date: July 7, 1683; Name: Walter Butler and his servant; Place: Ireland.

This was shortly after he received his land grant from Whitehall. It was also two years after he acted on behalf of the Duchess of Portsmouth, Louise Kérouaille, the Catholic French mistress of Charles II (see next chapter for the full record), on a land transaction in Ireland in 1682. (Manuscripts of the Marquis of Ormonde, Vol. 6, page 426)

In 1684, it would appear that Walter continued in London. Although the relevancy of the following document is inconclusive, the probability is high given Walter’s relationship with Lord Galmoy and thereby the Duke of Ormonde who was held in high favour in the Court of Charles II, having had an English dukedom conferred on him the previous November.

The Calendar of the Manuscripts of the Marquis of Ormonde (HMC) [lviii] :

1684, 16^th July- To James, Duke of Ormond, Lord High Steward of England.-The petition of Lewis Dahavion- “That one Walter Butler, having much injured your petitioner and several others, and being a great offender against the laws to avoid the justice thereof, doth shelter himself within the limits of His Majesty’s Royal Palace at Westminster to the great wrong of your petitioner and others. And forasmuch as your petitioner hath no way to bring the said Mr Butler to justice but by the aid of this honourable Board, your petitioner humbly prays that your honours will not permit the said Walter Butler any longer to reside or be within the limits of the said palace; but give such order and directions for the apprehending the said Walter Butler (in case he be found there) that your petitioner and the other parties injured may be enabled to prosecute the said Mr Butler according to law.”

The response was an order from St James’ Square, also dated 16 July 1684:

1684, 16^th July. St James’ Square- Order: “Let Walter Butler see this petition, and satisfy the petitioners, which if he shall delay or refuse to do, then the Officers of the Board of Greencloth are to take care that the said Walter Butler be put out of the verges of the Court that so the petitioner may have his due course of law.”

No outcome of this issue was recorded. Notably the Duke of Ormond had returned to Ireland the month before the petition, so the response was not from his hand directly.

Lord Ormonde’s extensive apartments that were part of the Whitehall Palace complex in Westminster, overlooking the Privy Gardens and backing onto St James’s Park, adjoining the building famously known as The Cockpit (granted by Charles II to Princess Anne). [lix]

Walter was also stepfather to Eleanor’s younger son Richard Butler, who was given a commission in Thomas Dongan’s Regiment of Foot in 1676, followed by a commission in the Duke of York’s own Regiment in 1682.[lx]

Commission to Capt. Richard Butler to be lieutenant to Capt. Francis Izod’s company in the Duke of York’s regiment (viz. James), whereof Sir Charles Lyttelton is colonel. Minute

Richard would become a colonel in the army and captain in the Royal Guards, a member of King James’s Bodyguard.[lxi] He was obviously held in high regard by the royal family as is attested in a letter written by the Earl of Clarendon, Lord Lieut. of Ireland to the Earl of Sunderland January 12, 1686 [lxii]:

Clarence Florence Carty in the Earl of Granard’s regiment is lately dead, which I beg your Lordship to lay before his Majesty and to send over a commission for whom his Majesty shall think fit to bestow command upon; the two first in the list your Lordship gave me are the Lord Brittas and Captain Butler, my Lord Galmoy’s brother, whom the King intends to provide for first, his Majesty is the best judge, Captain Butler has served abroad when the late King had forces in France, and has as good a character as any young man can have; and the King said he should be one of the first he would provide for.

One can assume that Walter’s close association with James II was established during this time.

Contact email butler1802 @ hotmail.com (NB. no spaces)

Link back to Introduction
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-co-wexford-ch1-richard-1stviscount-mountgarrett.html

Links to the Butlers of Munphin Co. Wexford on this blog:

http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-5-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part III- Depositions against Pierce Butler after the Catholic Confederation Rebellion
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-6-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part IV- Land ownership by the Butlers of Co Wexford in the 1641 Civil Survey
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-7-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part V- Pierce and the Cromwellian confiscations
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-8-pierce-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer Part VI- sons of Pierce Butler of Kayer
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-9-sons-of-pierce-butler.html

Links to all of the chapters in this blog:

Pierce Butler of Kayer Co. Wexford (the elder) c.1540-1599
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch2-pierce-butler.html
Edward Butler of Kayer Co. Wexford, 1577-1628
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-3-edward-butler.html
Pierce Butler of Kayer and Moneyhore (the younger), c.1600-1652, Part I
http://butlerancestryireland.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/butlers-of-co-wexford-ch-4-pierce-butler.html

[i] John Burke Esq, A Genealogical & Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great Britain and Ireland, Vol 4, London 1838, p.xxi, (Hore)

[ii] In deposition dated 14 June 1716 re relic of Holy Cross, Walter Butler wrote that he was “in the seventy odd year of my age”, held by Diocesan Archives. A second petition (SP29/440 f.267) written by a ‘Walter Butler’ stated he was 12 mths old when the rebellion broke out (1641).

[iii] Theobald Blake Butler (TBB), Genealogy of the Butlers,-Volume 8, Viscount Mountgarrett and Poolestown, Bart, Chapter- Butler, Viscount Mountgarrett (no page numbers);filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah (LDS) FHL British Film [873840]- his references: MLB Leighlin- 1 May 1688.

[iv] Butler, Walter, Colonel. The Case of collonel Walter Butler, of Munphin, in the county of Wexford, in the Kingdom of Ireland. [n.p.], [1705?]. The Making of the Modern World. Gale 2008. Gale, Cengage Learning. National Library of Australia. 02 December 2008- (University of London- presented by the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths 1903) <http://galenet.galegroup.com.rp.nla.gov.au:2048/servlet/MOME?af=RN&ae=U3600432078&srchtp=a&ste=14>

[v] “See GEC (viz. Complete Peerage.. by George Edward Cokayne, 1898, 2^nd edit 1910) for doubts of marriage to Aston” viz. GEC, vol 5, page 609-10 (Galmoy),

There is considerable confusion about Eleanor White’s parentage. Blake Butler notes that, according to TCD (Trinity College Dublin) F4.27., Eleanor was the daughter of Charles White the (4^th) son and heir of Sir Nicholas White, however, TBB and other sources, viz. Bernard Burke’s (Ulster King of Arms) ‘Genealogical History of the Dormant, Abeyant, Forfeited and Extinct Peerages of the British Empire [pub. London, 1883] page 97 (Galmoy), and Geo E. Cokayne’s “Complete Peerage..”, 2^nd Ed 1910, page 609 (Galmoy) (otherwise referred to: GEC), state: Eleanor was the daughter of Sir Nicholas White, Knt of Leixlip Co Kildare. Records re the birth dates of Sir Nicholas and his son Charles, add to the complication: Nicholas b.1583 (“aged 16 in 1599”), d. 1654, and Charles still living in 1693 and his son and heir John was born c.1680, albeit by his second marriage. (ref: Burkes Genealogical & Heraldic History of the Landed Gentry of Ireland (4^th ed 1959) p762-763- Whyte of Loughbrickland.). Sir Nicholas married Ursula Moore daughter of Sir Gerard/Garrett Moore 1^st Visc of Drogheda who was born in 1564 and married Mary Colley in 1590. (Burke’s Peerage), therefore Ursula, the 4th daughter, was born after 1594, and would not have married Sir Nicholas before c.1612 and considering Charles was the 4^th son and had several elder sisters, it is unlikely Charles could have had a daughter Eleanor born before 1635. Neither Charles White nor his first wife Eleanor Barnewall (one of nine chn of 1^st Visc. Kingsland who married in 1617), were of age to be Eleanor’s parents. Therefore, if she was the daughter of Sir Nicholas White, Eleanor must have been the youngest, born much later than her sisters- her sister Frances married c.1635 about the time Eleanor was born viz. c.1633. Eleanor’s son by Lord Galmoy was born 21 March 1651/52, so she was therefore married c.1651, which indicates she was born before 1634.

Also, Walter Butler Snr’s petition describes Francis Taaffe 3rd Earl of Carlingford, son of Sir Nicholas White’s dau. Mary, as Walter Jnr’s “cousin german” viz. first cousin. which means that Mary and Eleanor White were sisters.

Burke also has Eleanor as Lady Aston. The Oxford National Dictionary of Biography- Viscount Galmoy, also erroneously has Eleanor as dau. of Charles White, and widow of Sir Arthur Aston.

[vi] http://kildare.ie/education/confeycollege/leixlip/History.htm

[vii] J. Bernard Burke, A Genealogical & Heraldic Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of GB and Ire., for 1852, -Whyte of Loughbrickland, p1582

[viii] Francis Elrington Ball, A History of the County Dublin, Chapters of Dublin History, 6 volumes, pub 1902-1920, Vol. 4 Ch. 2- Part of Parish of Leixlip, www.chaptersofdublin.com/books/ball1-6/Ball4/ball4.2.htm

[ix] Philip Herbert Hore (ed), History of the Town and County of Wexford, Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.C., London, 1900-1911- 6 volumes- (Compiled principally from the State Papers, The Public Records, and MSS. of the late Herbert F. Hore, Esq., of Pole Hore, in that County) Reprint 1978, Vol. 6- P44-45

[x] Issue of Sir Nicholas White: 1. Frances White (d.20/12/1674) m. 1635 Thomas Dillon 4^th Visc. Of Costello Gallen;

2. Mary White m. bef. 1638, Theobald Taafe 2^nd Visc. Taaffe and 1^st Earl of Carlingford; 3.Anne White m. (bef 1640) Christopher Fagan of Feldrum Co Dublin- their daughter Elizabeth married bef. 1659 George Hamilton Baron of Strabane, whose sons Claude and Charles inherited from their father’s cousin the titles 4^th and 5^th Earls of Abercorn- Claude was Lord of the Bedchamber to James II, fought at the Boyne and Aughrim and killed on way back to France to inform James II of their defeat; George Hamilton’s uncle George Hamilton 1^st Bt, married Mary Butler dau of Thomas Butler Visc.Thurles (son and heir of 11^th Earl of Ormond, and father of the 1^st Duke of Ormonde) and Elizabeth Poyntz. Eliz.Poyntz married secondly George Matthew, and their granddaughter Ann Matthew married Pierce Butler, Lord Galmoy. George Hamilton 1^st Bt’s daughters, Margaret Hamilton married Matthew Forde of Coolgreany Co Wexford, and Lucia Hamilton married Donough O’Brien 1^st Bt of Dromoland- see relationship with Walter Butler jnr later. 4. Charles White m.1. Eleanor Barnewall, dau. of Sir Nicholas Barnewall 1^st Visc. Kingsland; m.2. Mary dau of Sr.Thos Newcomen and Frances Talbot, issue John White m.1704 Mary Purcell;

Three eldest sons of Sir Nicholas White, viz. Nicholas Jnr, Arthur, and unknown, all d.s.p.

[xi] John Cornelius O’Callaghan, History of the Irish Brigades in the Service of France, pub 1885, page 77 notes

[xii] Calendar State Papers relating to Ireland Charles II with Addenda (1625-1670), Making of the Modern World

[xiii] Carte Papers Catalogue Ref. MSS Carte 1-279- Bodleian Library Oxford University

Copies of letters from the Duke of Ormonde to various correspondents Ref MS Carte 49-date June 1660-1668.

Item: Ormonde to the Lords Justices- Ref MS Carte 49, fol 33- date 1 January 1661

[xiv] Carte Papers, Reference MSS Carte 1-279, Petition of Walter Butler -MS Carte 154, fol(s) 169 [4 Dec] 1668, Oxford University, Bodleian Library, Special Collections and Western Manuscripts.

[xv] Carte Papers, MS Carte 154, fol(s).169- 4 Dec 1668, An order by the Earl of Ossory, upon the Petition calendered above, Oxford University, Bodleian Library, Special Collections and Western Manuscripts.

[xvi] CSPI, Chas II, p.231

[xvii] T. Blake Butler (TBB), Genealogy of the Butlers,-Volume 8, Viscount Mountgarrett and Poolestown, Bart, Chapter- Butler, Viscount Mountgarrett & Colaterals Ormond Deeds and Letters (no page numbers);filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah (LDS); Equity Exchequer Bills books 1674-1850, and Chancery Court and Exchequer Bills Transcripts 1629-1747 on microfilm, filmed by the LDS

[xviii] T. Blake Butler (TBB), Genealogy of the Butlers,-Volume 8, Viscount Mountgarrett and Poolestown, Bart, Chapter- Butler, Viscount Mountgarrett & Colaterals Ormond Deeds and Letters (no page numbers);filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah (LDS) FHL British Film [873840]

[xix] (TBB) Index to Chancery Bills PRO Dublin; (Chancery Bills Index also in the LDS catalogue of films)

[xx] (TBB) Chichester House Claim No 3082- also see later for more detail re Galmoy’s estates.

[xxi] (TBB) Equity & Exchequer Bill 23 Oct 1722 (or 1723) Robert Dixon and Mary his wife v Wm Bridges

[xxii] Philip Herbert Hore (ed), History of the Town and County of Wexford, Elliot Stock, 62, Paternoster Row, E.C., London, 1900-1911- 6 volumes- (Compiled principally from the State Papers, The Public Records, and MSS. of the late Herbert F. Hore, Esq., of Pole Hore, in that County) Reprint 1978, Vol 6 p502;

R. C. Simington, The Transplantation to Connacht 1654-58, Irish UniversityPress for the Irish Manuscripts Commission, 1970, pp 78 and 82

[xxiii] Katherine FitzHenry alias Butler, possibly the wife of Pierce Butler of Kayer, who may have remarried following the death of her husband in 1652. In Edward Butler’s will of 1676 (BTR No. 70 ie. Butler Testamentary Record- Butler Society), he named Nicholas FitzHenry as a brother and executor, and Marcus FitzHenry as a witness. However, Katherine may have also been Walter’s sister (Lord Dunboyne’s Pedigree 24), which seems more likely given the wording of the petition.

[xxiv] Calendar of State Papers Relating to Ireland, volume 22 (1625-1670)- P. ¾ Endd. S.P. Ireland, 346, 57

[xxv] Calendar of State Papers, Domestic, Charels II, Addenda 1660-1685- [744], page no. 122; Ref: SP29/440 f.267 –undated 1664.Walter Butler to the King

[xxvi] SP 63/304,f.282

[xxvii] John P. Prendergast, Ireland from the Restoration to the Revolution 1660 to 1690, London 1887, pp.41-42; John D’Alton, Illustrations Historical and Genealogical of King James’s Army List 1689, Dublin, 1855, Vol. 1, pp.96-97

[xxviii] Books of Survey & Distribution in the County of Wexford 1641-1701, orig. in PRO Dublin, a copy in National Library of Ireland, Ms 975: Barony of Scarawalsh (Parish of Templeshanbo- several properties totalling 1802 acres), and Barony of Bantry (Parish of Killegny- Rathurtin- 250 acres) granted to Walter Butler.

[xxix] Ireland Trustees for the Sale of the Forfeited Estates, Forfeitures in the (1) county of Wicklow and Wexford; (2) county of Kilkenny; … sale at Chichester-house, Dublin, on (1) Sat 17^th day of April 1703, (2)20^th day of April 1703... Dublin 1703, Eighteenth Century Collections online, Gale, National Library of Australia, 10/03/2010, Gale document Nos. CB132454180, CB132454189- lists Galmoy’s lands in Co Kilkenny, and Co. Wexford- Col. Walter Butler named as tenant of the Wexford properties (4,931 acres in Barony of Bantry) and of several of the Kilkenny properties (2,400 acres in Parish of Grange).

[xxx] BTR No. 70- Edward Butler of Monyhoare (Wexford), 21 Dec. 1676, Place names: Templescobie, Cloghass, Ballyhuilsory, Davidstown; brothers and executors-Walter Butler of Monpine and Nicholas FitzHenry. op.cit.

[xxxi] Fifteenth Report from the Commissioners appointed by His Majesty to execute the measures recommended in an address of the House of Commons, respecting the public records of Ireland 1824-1825, page 277, House of Commons Parliamentary Papers, Proquest, National Library of Australia, 30 June 2012

[xxxii] Robert. C. Simington, The Civil Survey AD 1654-1656, Volume IX, County of Wexford, Dublin Stationery Office, 1953, Barony of Scarawalsh, p.278 (taken from the 1641 Civil Survey)

[xxxiii] Ordnance Survey of Ireland Discovery Series Map No.68

[xxxiv] Samuel Lewis, Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837

[xxxv] Kevin Whelan (ed), Wexford History and Society, Geography Publications Dublin 1987, Chapter 7: Rolf Loeber & Magda Stouthamer-Loeber, The lost architecture of the Wexford Plantation, p182-183, and notes 20 & 21on p525.

[xxxvi] Books of Survey and Distribution in the County of Wexford 1641-1701, original in the Public Records Office Dublin, a copy of which is in the National Library of Ireland, Ms 975

[xxxvii] Colonel Morgan Kavanagh of Clonmullen was killed in 1642 at the Battle of Polmonty, during the rebellion, and was a close associate of Colonel Pierce Butler. The Butlers and Kavanaghs had forged close ties of friendship and kinship over several centuries, since Donal Spainneach Kavanagh’s friendship with Pierce Butler of Kayer (the elder) during the 16^th century. Donal Spainneach of Clonmullen was father of Sir Morgan Kavanagh. Walter Butler’s stepson Colonel Richard Butler married Sir Morgan’s son Charles Kavanagh’s daughter Lucy, who was widow of Sir Laurence Esmonde 2^nd Bart (another family with close ties to the Butlers, including the Ormond line). James and Bryan Kavanagh witnessed Walter Butler’s will. Walter Butler’s brother James Butler’s daughter Elinor married a Cavanagh. Refer to Note 22.

[xxxviii] P. Hore (ed), History…, op.cit, Vol 6 p662. Clonmullen Castle was celebrated in prose and song as the site of the romantic story of “Eileen-a-roon”, the abduction of Eileen/Ellen Kavanagh, daughter of Donal Spannaigh Kavanagh, by a chieftain named Daly.

[xxxix] Kevin Whelan (ed), Wexford History and Society, Geography Publications Dublin 1987, Chapter 8: Daniel Gahan, The Estate System of County Wexford, page 208

[xl] Brian Cantwell, Memorials of the Dead, CD: Irish Memorial Inscriptions Volume 2, Compiled and Edited by Ian Cantwell, pub Eneclann Ltd Dublin 2005, Page 216 St Columns C. of I., Templeshanbo.

[xli] Ireland County Wexford-Genealogy and Family History (Extracts from the Irish Archives) Tracing Irish Ancestors,

pub. Irish Genealogical Foundation www.Irishroots.com, A Census of Co Wexford 1659 (Poll Tax) Scarwelsh Barrony, (folio 57) page C-25, 26

[xlii] (TBB) 15^th Report Record Comm. P277. (NB. this record in the 15^th report has not been found by NLI library staff.) The Act of Settlement was passed by the Irish Parliament in 1662, entitled “an act for the better execution of his majesty’s gracious declaration for the Settlement of his Kingdom of Ireland, and the satisfaction of the several interests of adventurers, soldiers and other his subjects there”. The Act of Explanation of it was passed 1664.

[xliii] Theobald Blake Butler, Genealogy of the Butlers, Vol 8: Mountgarrett -Chapter- Butler of Munfin… Barony of Scarawalsh (no page numbers);filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah (LDS) FHL British Film [873840]- ref. quoted: 15^th Report Record Comm. P277- Act of Settlement & Explanation- May 8, 1683, Walter Butler of Munfin Esq; BTR No.70 Edward Butler of Moneyhoare Co. Wexford 21 Dec,1676. CSP, Dom, Charles II, [326], p.88, March 1, 1683- Lord Lieut. of Ire. re petition of Walter Butler for grant.

[xliv] CSP, Dom, Charles II, Entry [326], p.88 Date March 1, 1683: Reference to the Lord Lieut. of Ireland

[xlv] P.Hore, History…, op.cit, Vol 6: P592-93- The Parish of Killegny in Bantry

[xlvi] T. Blake Butler (TBB), Genealogy of the Butlers,-Volume 8, Viscount Mountgarrett and Poolestown, Bart, Chapter- Butler, Viscount Mountgarrett’s descendants of second son Pierce (no page numbers);filmed by the Genealogical Society of Utah (LDS) FHL British Film [873840]

[xlvii] (TBB) 15^th Report Record Comm. P.503

[xlviii] RCBL Ms 104/3/153- Indenture between Sir Lawrence Esmonde 2nd baronet on the one part, and Patrick Colclough and Walter Butler on the other for land in Wexford, Wicklow and Carlow, dated 22 November 1685. (Translated extracts from the patent Rolls of Chancery) (Virtual Record Treasury of Ireland).

[xlix] CSP, Dom, William III, Entry No: [439] p.no. 87, date July 11, 1700, Lords Justices of Ireland to Secretary of State Vernon, re the late indictment for high treason now pending against Sr Lawrence Esmond, bart.

[l] (TBB) This led to a series of court cases between 3 Nov 1716 to 8 May 1718, these being carried on by his executors after Walter’s death - refer to more detail after his death.

[li] Nicholas Furlong, A History of County Wexford, Gill & Macmillan Ltd, Dublin, 2003, p44, p87

[lii] Hilary Murphy, Families of Co. Wexford, The Printshop Wexford, 1986, p26- Butler

[liii] Donal had fled to Spain with Thomas Stukely, hence the name Spainneach. Stukely had been appointed Seneschal of Wexford in the 1560’s, but was arrested for joining the Butler rebellion of 1569, and was replaced by Nicholas White (Eleanor’s forefather) and then Thomas Masterson. Stukely embarked for Spain in 1572 and brought with him Donal. After plotting for a Spanish invasion of Ireland, Donal parted company with Stukely in Lisbon and came back to Ireland.

[liv] Art Kavanagh, The Kavanaghs Kings of Leinster, pub Irish Family Names, Wexford, 2003, page 156.

[lv] Colonel Walter Butler’s Relic of the True Cross, The Past: The Organ of the Ui Consealaigh Historical Society, No 19 (1995), pp100-101, pub by : Ui Cinsealaigh Historical Society; Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25520017

[lvi] Dr Nicholas French, son of John French Esq. of Ballytory, and Christian/Catherine Rossiter dau. of Thomas Rossiter of Rathmacknee Co Wexford and Mary Sarsfield, aunt of the celebrated Jacobite Patrick Sarsfield Earl of Lucan. Nicholas born 1604, educated at Irish College at Louvain and returning to Ireland became a priest at Wexford, appointed bishop of Ferns 1646; exiled after the Catholic Confederation rebellion 1641-49; died at Ghent in 1678.

Ref: Dr French Bishop of Ferns, by Gabriel O’C. Redmond, M.D., M.R.S.A. Cappoquin, Waterford and South East Ireland Archaelogical Society Journal, Vol 4, 1898.

[lvii] Calendar of State Papers Domestic, Charles II, entry No. 781, page no. 188 , date 1683- Passes to the Following Persons in 1683 (Ref. SP Dom Entry Book 66, p233)

[lviii] Calendar of the Manuscripts of the Marquis of Ormonde (HMC), Vol 4, (1675-1685), pp 663-664 (MEMSO website)

[lix] Wikipedia- Whitehall Palace & The Cockpit- Fisher’s 1680 Plan of the Palace of Whitehall, from the Crace Collection at British Library

[lx] Calendar of State Papers Domestic, Charles II Entry No. 1133, page 334, date August 11, 1682, place of writing Windsor, Commission to Capt. Richard Butler; [ SP. Dom., Entry Bk 29, p433]

[lxi] Hugh Montgomery-Massingberd, Burkes Irish Family Records, pub London Uk Burkes Peerage 1976, p199 (thepeerage.com)

[lxii] Calendar of State Papers Domestic, James II (Jan 1686 to May 1687), Entry No 1686., 29; Page no. 6 Date Jan 12, 1686, Clarendon to Sunderland; Holograph SP 63/351, flos. 125-126

Ancestry of Butlers of County Wexford Ireland

Friday, 7 December 2012

Butlers of Co. Wexford- Ch. 10: Walter Butler of Munphin Pt.1