Christopher St Lawrence, 10th Baron Howth
Encyclopedia
Christopher St Lawrence, 10th Baron Howth (c1568-1619 ) was an Anglo-Irish statesman and soldier of the late Elizabethan and Jacobean
era. His personal charm made him a favourite of successive monarchs and he was also a soldier of some repute who fought with Essex and Mountjoy. However his bitter quarrels with the Lord Deputy of Ireland
, his feuds with other leading families of the Pale
, and his suspected involvement in the conspiracy which led to the Flight of the Earls
, damaged his reputation. He is best remembered for the legend that he was kidnapped by Granuaile as a small boy.
, although his father lived for some years at Platten in Meath
.
, and showed boldness in capturing two men. Subsequently he spent two years in England where he appears to have been knighted. He returned to Ireland with Sir Conyers Clifford in 1597, and was given a company of horse. He spent much time in Offaly keeping the O'Connor clan in check, and was appointed commander of the garrison of Cavan
, with power to execute martial law, and his good services there were praised.
, arrived in Ireland, Christopher served with him and became a friend. He distinguished himself at Athy
by swimming the river Barrow
to retrieve some stolen horses, and returned with the horses and the heads of two thieves. He was present at the siege of Cahir Castle
, and again distinguished himself by repelling a sortie by the garrison. He also accompanied Essex on his ill-fated expedition to Ulster
. Essex wrote of him as a " dear and worthy friend " and chose him as one of his few companions on his disastrous return to Court.
Christopher had already gained a reputation for being quarrelsome and hot-tempered : in 1598 he was rumoured to have murdered Sir Samuel Bagenal over a trifling insult, though the story is probably untrue. It is likely that he did offer to fight Essex's opponents, Sir Robert Cecil
and Lord Grey de Wilton, and publicly pledged Essex's health. Summoned before the Privy Council
on the charge of having threatened Cecil, he denied it and was let off with an order to return to Ireland. Elizabeth I, however, consented to receive him, and though she scolded him for his "scornful journey ", he made a good impression. She granted his request to postpone his return, ordered payment of his arrears of wages, and on his return to Ireland she wrote that he was one who was " well deserved in her service". He was also reconciled with Robert Cecil.
; it was said the cause was that Christopher was over-friendly with Ormond's wife.
When Charles Blount, 8th Baron Mountjoy arrived in Ireland Christopher accompanied him on an expedition against the O'Mores of Laois. In October he fought at the Battle of Moyry Pass
and was wounded. He was considered Mountjoy's right-hand man in central Ireland during the following months, although he complained that his services were ill-rewarded.In August 1601 he was in Ulster; when the news came of the Spanish landing he was sent to intercept Hugh O'Donnell, but failed. At the Battle of Kinsale he was entrusted with preventing the Irish and Spanish armies from joining.
He is next heard of in Dublin, then briefly became governor of Monaghan
. On the submission of the Earl of Tyrone his garrison was reduced. It appears that that he was accused of treasonable correspondence with Tyrone, and wrote to Cecil asking to come to London to clear his name.
Meeting no response either to his demands to be allowed to clear his name or for a sign of Royal favour, he decided to seek employment abroad. The new Deputy, Sir Arthur Chichester, was moved to plead on his behalf to Cecil urging he be given employment in Ireland, but northing was done and he entered the service of the Archduke in the Spanish Netherlands. Chichester was concerned that other young nobles would follow his example, but in the event his service was cut short by his father's death in May 1607.
, the Earl of Tyrconnell and Lord Delvin. Passing through England, he revealed part of the conspiracy to the Council, who informed Chichester that he should examine an individual called A.B.
On learning that A.B. was Howth, Chichester who had developed a very low opinion of him, was inclined to regard his story as an invention, until the actual flight of Tyrone and Tyrconnell confirmed part of Howth's story. Since he was clearly involved, he was arrested questioned further ( Chichester called his account "half-witted"} and sent to London. Howth, who had considerable charm and eloquence, convinced the Privy Council of his innocence, and returned to Ireland in March 1608.
Th feud extended to Moore's father-in-law Thomas Jones, Archbishop of Dublin and his son Roger Jones, 1st Viscount Ranelagh
. Roger's description of Howth as a brave man among cowards provoked a violent affray in a tennis court in Thomas St. in Dublin in May 1609, in which a Mr. Barnewall was killed. Howth claimed that Barnewall, a relative of Howth's mother, was killed defending him: Roger Jones claimed that the dead man had intervened to rsetore order and was killed by Howth's side. Chichester on hearing of the affair, took Jones' side and had Howth arrested. The inquest found a verdict of manslaughter: Howth examined by the Council, claimed to be the victim of a conspiracy including Chichester, Moore and the Jones family. The Council found that Howth had no basis for his charges other than his unpopularity with his fellow nobles, and ordered him to remain at home and mind his behaviour. He was strictly forbidden to go to London, but did so, and after a brief spell in the Fleet Prison
obtained a royal audience and yet again gained the King's favour. Chichester was reprimanded, and thereafter showed at least outward friendship to Howth.
. It was not an especially advantageous marriage and may well have been a love affair. Probably the failure was due to a similarity of temperament, since Elizabeth was also quarrelsome, referring in her will to a long dispute with he elder son. The couple married about 1595 but separated by 1605. Howth was ordered to pay his wife £100; the amount was later reduced but placed a heavy burden on him and caused much contention and ill-feeling. They had three children:
Jacobean
Jacobean indicates the period of English history that coincides with the reign of James I of England :*Jacobean era*Jacobean architecture*Jacobean literature*Jacobean English...
era. His personal charm made him a favourite of successive monarchs and he was also a soldier of some repute who fought with Essex and Mountjoy. However his bitter quarrels with the Lord Deputy of Ireland
Lord Deputy of Ireland
The Lord Deputy was the King's representative and head of the Irish executive under English rule, during the Lordship of Ireland and later the Kingdom of Ireland...
, his feuds with other leading families of the Pale
The Pale
The Pale or the English Pale , was the part of Ireland that was directly under the control of the English government in the late Middle Ages. It had reduced by the late 15th century to an area along the east coast stretching from Dalkey, south of Dublin, to the garrison town of Dundalk...
, and his suspected involvement in the conspiracy which led to the Flight of the Earls
Flight of the Earls
The Flight of the Earls took place on 14 September 1607, when Hugh Ó Neill of Tír Eóghain, Rory Ó Donnell of Tír Chonaill and about ninety followers left Ireland for mainland Europe.-Background to the exile:...
, damaged his reputation. He is best remembered for the legend that he was kidnapped by Granuaile as a small boy.
Early life
He was born about 1568, eldest son of Nicholas St. Lawrence, 9th Baron Howth, and his first wife Margaret Barnewall. According to the Granuaile story he spent his childhood at Howth CastleHowth Castle
Howth Castle lies close to the village of Howth, Fingal County in Ireland. It is the ancestral home of the line of the St Lawrence family that died out in 1909. From 1425 to 1767 the title had been Lord Howth, holding the area since the Norman invasion of 1180. It is now held by their heirs, the...
, although his father lived for some years at Platten in Meath
Meath
Meath may refer to:*County Meath, Republic of Ireland**Kingdom of Mide, medieval precursor of the county**Meath , in UK and Irish parliaments**Meath GAA, including the intercounty football and hurling teams**Diocese of Meath...
.
Granuaile
According to a celebrated legend, which may have a slight basis in fact, about 1576 Granuaile, the so-called Pirate Queen of Galway, arrived unannounced at Howth Castle at dinner-time, only to find the gates barred. Annoyed at the discourtesy, she took young Christopher hostage until his family apologised. To make amends, the Howth family pledged that in future the gates would always be open at dinner-time and an extra place set at table for unexpected guests.Soldier
Christopher acquired a considerable reputation as a soldier. In 1595 he accompanied his father on an expedition against the O'Byrnes of WicklowWicklow
Wicklow) is the county town of County Wicklow in Ireland. Located south of Dublin on the east coast of the island, it has a population of 10,070 according to the 2006 census. The town is situated to the east of the N11 route between Dublin and Wexford. Wicklow is also connected to the rail...
, and showed boldness in capturing two men. Subsequently he spent two years in England where he appears to have been knighted. He returned to Ireland with Sir Conyers Clifford in 1597, and was given a company of horse. He spent much time in Offaly keeping the O'Connor clan in check, and was appointed commander of the garrison of Cavan
Cavan
Cavan is the county town of County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. The town lies in the north central part of Ireland, near the border with Northern Ireland...
, with power to execute martial law, and his good services there were praised.
Earl of Essex
When Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of EssexRobert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex
Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, KG was an English nobleman and a favourite of Elizabeth I. Politically ambitious, and a committed general, he was placed under house arrest following a poor campaign in Ireland during the Nine Years' War in 1599...
, arrived in Ireland, Christopher served with him and became a friend. He distinguished himself at Athy
Athy
The town developed from a 12th century Anglo-Norman settlement to an important British military outpost on the border of the Pale.The first town charter dates from the 16th century and the town hall was constructed in the early 18th century...
by swimming the river Barrow
Barrow
Barrow most often refers to:* a cart or flat rectangular tray with handles at each end** wheelbarrow-Other:* a tumulus, a large mound of earth or stone placed over a burial site* a castrated male domestic pig...
to retrieve some stolen horses, and returned with the horses and the heads of two thieves. He was present at the siege of Cahir Castle
Cahir Castle
Cahir Castle , one of the largest castles in Ireland, is sited on an island in the river Suir. It was built in 1142 by Conor O'Brien, Prince of Thomond...
, and again distinguished himself by repelling a sortie by the garrison. He also accompanied Essex on his ill-fated expedition to Ulster
Ulster
Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
. Essex wrote of him as a " dear and worthy friend " and chose him as one of his few companions on his disastrous return to Court.
Christopher had already gained a reputation for being quarrelsome and hot-tempered : in 1598 he was rumoured to have murdered Sir Samuel Bagenal over a trifling insult, though the story is probably untrue. It is likely that he did offer to fight Essex's opponents, Sir Robert Cecil
Robert Cecil
Robert Cecil may refer to:*Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury , statesman, spymaster and minister to Elizabeth I of England and James I of England...
and Lord Grey de Wilton, and publicly pledged Essex's health. Summoned before the Privy Council
Privy council
A privy council is a body that advises the head of state of a nation, typically, but not always, in the context of a monarchic government. The word "privy" means "private" or "secret"; thus, a privy council was originally a committee of the monarch's closest advisors to give confidential advice on...
on the charge of having threatened Cecil, he denied it and was let off with an order to return to Ireland. Elizabeth I, however, consented to receive him, and though she scolded him for his "scornful journey ", he made a good impression. She granted his request to postpone his return, ordered payment of his arrears of wages, and on his return to Ireland she wrote that he was one who was " well deserved in her service". He was also reconciled with Robert Cecil.
Service with Mountjoy
In 1600 he was sent to assist Sir George Carew in Connaught. His reputation as a soldier grew but also his reputation for violence: he was said to have engaged in a brawl with the Earl of Ormond and the Earl of ThomondEarl of Thomond
"Earl of Thomond" was a title in the Peerage of Ireland. It was created twice for the family of Ó Briain. The O'Brien dynasty were an ancient Irish sept native to north Munster....
; it was said the cause was that Christopher was over-friendly with Ormond's wife.
When Charles Blount, 8th Baron Mountjoy arrived in Ireland Christopher accompanied him on an expedition against the O'Mores of Laois. In October he fought at the Battle of Moyry Pass
Battle of Moyry Pass
The Battle of Moyry Pass was fought during September and October 1600 in counties Armagh and Louth, in the north of Ireland, during the Nine Years' War...
and was wounded. He was considered Mountjoy's right-hand man in central Ireland during the following months, although he complained that his services were ill-rewarded.In August 1601 he was in Ulster; when the news came of the Spanish landing he was sent to intercept Hugh O'Donnell, but failed. At the Battle of Kinsale he was entrusted with preventing the Irish and Spanish armies from joining.
He is next heard of in Dublin, then briefly became governor of Monaghan
Monaghan
Monaghan is the county town of County Monaghan in Ireland. Its population at the 2006 census stood at 7,811 . The town is located on the main road, the N2 road, from Dublin north to both Derry and Letterkenny.-Toponym:...
. On the submission of the Earl of Tyrone his garrison was reduced. It appears that that he was accused of treasonable correspondence with Tyrone, and wrote to Cecil asking to come to London to clear his name.
Meeting no response either to his demands to be allowed to clear his name or for a sign of Royal favour, he decided to seek employment abroad. The new Deputy, Sir Arthur Chichester, was moved to plead on his behalf to Cecil urging he be given employment in Ireland, but northing was done and he entered the service of the Archduke in the Spanish Netherlands. Chichester was concerned that other young nobles would follow his example, but in the event his service was cut short by his father's death in May 1607.
Flight of the Earls
In the events leading to the Flight of the Earls, the new Lord Howth certainly played a part, though what precisely it was remains mysterious. Even before is return to Ireland he was aware of a conspiracy involving the Earl of TyroneEarl of Tyrone
The Earl of Tyrone is a title created three times in the Peerage of Ireland.It was first created as part of the Tudor attempt to establish a uniform social structure in Ireland by converting the Gaelic kings and chiefs into hereditary nobles of the Kingdom of Ireland...
, the Earl of Tyrconnell and Lord Delvin. Passing through England, he revealed part of the conspiracy to the Council, who informed Chichester that he should examine an individual called A.B.
On learning that A.B. was Howth, Chichester who had developed a very low opinion of him, was inclined to regard his story as an invention, until the actual flight of Tyrone and Tyrconnell confirmed part of Howth's story. Since he was clearly involved, he was arrested questioned further ( Chichester called his account "half-witted"} and sent to London. Howth, who had considerable charm and eloquence, convinced the Privy Council of his innocence, and returned to Ireland in March 1608.
Feuds
He found his reputation in ruins and proceeded to quarrel with several other notables of the Pale. Sir Garrett Moore, later Viscount Moore of Drogheda was a close connection by marriage and had previously been friendly, but Moore now turned against him, calling him a coward, a braggart and a liar. Howth in turn accused Moore of treason and, bizarrely, of trying to raise the Devil. Although Moore had been friendly with the Earl of Tyrone, Howth was quite unable to prove the charge: Chichester said that no-one would condemn a horse-boy on such evidence. Howth was however allowed to go to England, and again his personal charm won him the goodwill of James IJames I
James I may refer to:* King James I of Aragon * King James I of Sicily , also King James II of Aragon* James I, Count of La Marche , Count of Ponthieu...
Th feud extended to Moore's father-in-law Thomas Jones, Archbishop of Dublin and his son Roger Jones, 1st Viscount Ranelagh
Roger Jones, 1st Viscount Ranelagh
Roger Jones, 1st Viscount Ranelagh PC was a member of the Peerage of Ireland and lord president of Connaught. He was Chief Leader of the Army and Forces of Connaught during the early years of the Irish Confederate Wars...
. Roger's description of Howth as a brave man among cowards provoked a violent affray in a tennis court in Thomas St. in Dublin in May 1609, in which a Mr. Barnewall was killed. Howth claimed that Barnewall, a relative of Howth's mother, was killed defending him: Roger Jones claimed that the dead man had intervened to rsetore order and was killed by Howth's side. Chichester on hearing of the affair, took Jones' side and had Howth arrested. The inquest found a verdict of manslaughter: Howth examined by the Council, claimed to be the victim of a conspiracy including Chichester, Moore and the Jones family. The Council found that Howth had no basis for his charges other than his unpopularity with his fellow nobles, and ordered him to remain at home and mind his behaviour. He was strictly forbidden to go to London, but did so, and after a brief spell in the Fleet Prison
Fleet Prison
Fleet Prison was a notorious London prison by the side of the Fleet River in London. The prison was built in 1197 and was in use until 1844. It was demolished in 1846.- History :...
obtained a royal audience and yet again gained the King's favour. Chichester was reprimanded, and thereafter showed at least outward friendship to Howth.
Last years and death
Howth sat in the Irish Parliament of 1612. Relations with Archbishop Jones improved and in 1614 they worked together to raise a free gift in Dublin for the King, Howth as a good example contributing £100. He died on October 24 1619, but for some reason was not buried until late January 1620Family
His married life was unhappy although unlike his grandfather he was not accused of ill-treating his wife. She was Elizabeth Wentworth, daughter of John Wentworth of Great Horksley in EssexEssex
Essex is a ceremonial and non-metropolitan county in the East region of England, and one of the home counties. It is located to the northeast of Greater London. It borders with Cambridgeshire and Suffolk to the north, Hertfordshire to the west, Kent to the South and London to the south west...
. It was not an especially advantageous marriage and may well have been a love affair. Probably the failure was due to a similarity of temperament, since Elizabeth was also quarrelsome, referring in her will to a long dispute with he elder son. The couple married about 1595 but separated by 1605. Howth was ordered to pay his wife £100; the amount was later reduced but placed a heavy burden on him and caused much contention and ill-feeling. They had three children:
- Nicholas St Lawrence, 11th Baron HowthNicholas St Lawrence, 11th Baron HowthNicholas St Lawrence, 11th Baron Howth was an Anglo-Irish nobleman of the seventeenth century. The Lord of Howth for over a century had played a crucial role in Irish politics; but Nicholas unlike his predecessors, preferred a private life...
- Thomas who settled in SuffolkSuffolkSuffolk is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in East Anglia, England. It has borders with Norfolk to the north, Cambridgeshire to the west and Essex to the south. The North Sea lies to the east...
- Margaret, who married firstly William FitzWilliam and secondly Michael Berford.