mysteries, contradictions, & controversies about Luttrell history and genealogy
The Luttrells in Ireland
From the beginning of the13th century to the end of the 18th, Luttrells have had a considerable impact upon the government and history of Ireland. The Irish people have also had impact upon the Luttrells, especially at the end of that period of time.
Sir Geoffrey Luttrell (the "original" Sir Geoffrey--great-great-grandfather of the Sir Geoffrey Luttrell of "The Luttrell Psalter" and ancestor of the Luttrells of Dunster Castle in Somersetshire, England) served as King John's minister on many missions of state to Ireland from 1204 to 1216.
Other Luttrells of note have included Robert Luttrell (Treasurer of St. Patrick's Cathedral and Chancellor of Ireland, 1235 - 1246) who apparently "had some connection with the Luttrellstown neighborhood", Sir Thomas Luttrell (Chief Justice of the Common Pleas in Ireland, 1534 - 1554), Col. Simon Luttrell (Lord Lieutenant of the County Dublin), his nephew Simon Luttrell (Baron Irnham and Lord of Carhampton, (d. 1787)
and Henry Luttrell (second Lord of Carhampton),
the last Luttrell to occupy Luttrellstown Castle, near Dublin.
OTHER IRISH LINKS
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with information and links re: The Luttrells in Ireland
Particularly wanted - Luttrellstown info and genealogical evidence linking Irish Luttrell imigrants to America and elsewhere
"In 'Irish Genealogies' (volume three of Keatings 'History of Ireland', I. G. F. edition) we read of the principal families settling in Dublin City and County subsequent to the 12th century invasions. They are given therein as listed below:
One can see from this list that many settler families will be found in Dublin, including Viking, Welsh, Norman and English ones. It should be remembered however, that over time, Dublin drew its population mainly from the far flung parts of Ireland itself. Indeed, we have the most mixed population of the entire country right here in Dublin.
Due to the fact that it became the administrative center for the English government, there was continued settlement from England. Although the area now known as Dublin city was a stronghold for the Vikings and Normans anciently, the settlers became outnumbered by native Irish eventually."
from The Families of County Dublin Ireland, Vol. VII of the Book of Irish Families, great & small by Michael C. O'Laughlin, 1999
From the Norman invasions of 1169 until the final defeat of the Irish in the 17th century the Luttrells and the other English settlers living in the Pale were never free from conflict and danger.
"In 1413 the O'Byrnes defeated the citizens of Dublin and carried off many prisoners. In 1516 the citizens of Dublin routed the O'Tooles of the mountains, slew the chief and sent his head as a present to the mayor. The victory was short lived, for they were defeated on a second incursion into the Irish chieftains territory."
From the "History of the Parish of Clonsilla" (see link above) we see that Sir Thomas Luttrell in a letter refers to the "capture of his relative Aylmer of Lyons, by the O'Tooles, and says that a ransom will have to be paid for his release: and in another he mentions the recent 'ruffling time' with O'Neill, and says that rents will be slowly paid, as the farmers, whose services saved the Pale from utter destruction, are all lying out in camps."
The Luttrells came to Ireland as representatives of the english King. Sir Thomas Luttrell (d. 1554), Chief Justice of Ireland, is recorded by Ball as being "a typical example of a gentleman of the English Pale". But, only four generations later, Col. Simon Luttrell and Col. Henry Luttrell of Luttrellstown are leading Irish troops in revolt against the English armies.
The Irish people were often in revolt against the English government. Quite simply, the English government did not extend to their Irish subjects the same constitutional rights or dignities as they afforded themselves.
And, then there were the differences of religion. . . !
The Irish were predominantly Catholic while the English had broken
with Rome and formed their own Protestant church.
Each inflicted hardship on the other.
Those deep disputes continue.
The deep division in the Luttrells of Ireland occurred in the late 17th century. After the English armies defeated the Irish, Col. Henry Luttrell "went over" to the English side while his brother, and former comrade in arms, Col. Simon Luttrell, stayed loyal to the Jacobite cause, joining the Army of James (the Wild Geese of Ireland) in France.
Col. Henry Luttrell was rewarded by the English with the possessions of his brother Simon, Luttrellstown. Other Luttrells, close relatives of Col. Simon, also forfeited their properties for their Irish, and Catholic, loyalties. While Henry and his succeeding two generations enjoyed great prosperity and power as adherents and representatives of the English government and the English church, they also earned great enmity from a multitude in two nations. The generation of his grandchildren, which included the Adjutant General of Ireland and the sister-in-law to the King of England, was among the most reviled of all families and the last of the once great house of Luttrellstown.
But, the story of the rest of us. . .the other Luttrells,
of Irish descent, yet of a more modest station. . .
