From Humble Beginnings to Marblehill
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of County Galway lies a story of resilience and ambition – the tale of the Burkes of Marblehill. This article delves into the fascinating rise of a Catholic gentry family, navigating religious restrictions and seizing opportunities to build a legacy.
Accommodating Adversity
The Burkes, originally Norman and later Catholic gentry from Creggeen (an old name for Marblehill), County Galway, faced a significant hurdle – religious proscription. During this period, Catholics were barred from owning land in fee simple (meaning outright ownership). To circumvent this restriction, the Burkes found a solution in their Protestant neighbours, the Masons of Masonbrook. The Masons nominally held the estate in fee simple, while the Burkes essentially resided and managed the land.
From Farmer to Baronet
John Burke (d. 1793), the family patriarch, capitalized on the high price of meat during his time. This financial success allowed him to rebuild the family residence, aptly renaming it as Marble Hill (Marblehill). His son, Thomas, further solidified the family’s position. A dedicated agricultural improver and magistrate, Thomas was a staunch supporter of the government, earning him a baronetcy in 1797 – a significant mark of recognition.
Military Maneuvers and Political Pursuits
Thomas’ ambition extended beyond landownership. In 1804, he raised a regiment of 1,000 men. Interestingly, his eldest son, Sir John Burke (the subject of the passage), received the colonelcy despite his apparent lack of military experience. Sir John did undergo training and served with the regiment (later renamed the 97th Foot) in Canada and the West Indies.
Sir John also dabbled in politics. He likely joined Brooks’s, a prestigious Whig gentlemen’s club, at the recommendation of a local Whig MP. Furthermore, following his father’s death in 1813, Sir John became actively involved in the Catholic cause. He participated in the 1811 Catholic deputation to London and continued to support the movement for Catholic emancipation led by Daniel O’Connell.
The story of the Burkes of Marblehill offers a glimpse into the complexities of Irish history during the 18th and early 19th centuries. It’s a tale of navigating religious restrictions, seizing economic opportunities, and advocating for political change. While this article focuses on the family’s rise, future entries will explore the legacy of Marblehill and the lives of its inhabitants.
Hello
Is anyone familiar with this part of Ireland? In 1851 a Sir Thomas Burke was named as a referee for one of my relatives whose passage to Australia was being sponsored by his brother already in Australia.
LEWIS’S Topographical Index. While in the library I did not check for any listing of Marble Hill. In the notes on Woodford and the civil parish of Ballynakill there are several references to Marble Hill. It was the seat of Sir John Burke. There are also descriptions of the residence of Marble Hill, formerly Gortenacuppogue.
The part which puzzles me is why the address was given as Marble Hill, Loughrea, since it appears that there was a “receiving house for letters” at Woodford. Were letters delivered to the town of Loughrea and then dispatched to Woodford?
Does the residence of Marble Hill still exist and would it have been located on the Townland of Marble Hill? I have found this townland on a townland map. My ancestors’ townland is just near this Marble Hill townland, hence my interest.
If anyone knows anything about this part of Ireland I would be most pleased to hear from them.
Trish
Sydney Australia