Ormonde Titles: A History of the Butler and Boleyn Peerages
The history of the Ormonde titles is a complex saga of loyalty, political maneuvering, and familial disputes spanning several centuries. Originally established in the 14th century, these titles represent a significant thread in the administrative and social fabric of Ireland and England, involving some of the most influential figures in British royal history.
The First Creation and the Butler Legacy
The Earldom of Ormond was first created in 1328 for James Butler. For generations, the earls of this line were central figures in the government of Ireland, maintaining a steadfast tradition of loyalty to English custom and the English crown. Beyond their political influence, several of the earls were recognized as distinguished scholars.
The lineage faced its first major disruption with the fifth earl, who was created Earl of Wiltshire in 1449 within the Peerage of England. However, he was attainted in 1461—a legal process where a person is declared guilty of treason without a trial—resulting in his peerages being declared forfeit. The earldom of Ormond was eventually restored in 1476 to his younger brother, John Butler, the sixth earl.
The Boleyn Interruption
The succession took a dramatic turn following the death of Thomas, the 7th earl, who died without issue in 1515. While Piers Butler, a cousin of the 7th earl, acted as the de facto (in practice) earl, he was induced to resign his rights to the title in 1528.
This resignation cleared the way for a second creation of the titles. The earldoms of Ormond and Wiltshire were awarded to Thomas Boleyn, the father of Anne Boleyn. At the time, Anne was the mistress of King Henry VIII. Thomas Boleyn's claim to the title was tenuous, based on being a maternal grandson of the 7th earl. Through this connection, Thomas Boleyn became the grandfather of Queen Elizabeth I. This second creation ended in extinction upon Boleyn's death, as he lacked male heirs following the execution of his son, George, for treason.
Restoration and Elevation to Dukedom
Piers Butler, having resigned his rights to facilitate the Boleyn appointment, was rewarded for his patriotism and generosity by being created Earl of Ossory just five days later. In 1538, a third creation recognized Piers Butler as the Earl of Ormond. By 1544, an act of parliament confirmed his possession of the earldom, legally declaring it to be the original creation of 1328 rather than the 1538 version.
The titles reached their zenith with James Butler, the fifth earl of this restored line. His ascent through the peerage was rapid: he was named Marquess of Ormonde in 1642, Duke of Ormonde in 1660 (Peerage of Ireland), and Duke of Ormonde in 1682 (Peerage of England). By marrying his cousin Elizabeth Preston, the granddaughter of the third earl, James reunited the titles with the Ormonde estates. Following 1682, the spelling "Ormonde" became the universal standard.
Key Facts
- Original Creation: Established in 1328 for James Butler.
- Boleyn Connection: Thomas Boleyn held the title briefly; he was the father of Anne Boleyn and grandfather of Elizabeth I.
- Legal Restoration: An act of parliament in 1544 retroactively linked Piers Butler's title back to the 1328 creation.
- Highest Rank: The title evolved from an Earldom to a Marquessate (1642) and finally a Dukedom (1660/1682).
- Spelling Change: The transition to the spelling "Ormonde" became standard after 1682.
| Period/Year | Primary Holder | Title Status | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1328 | James Butler | Earl of Ormond | Original creation |
| 1461 | 5th Earl | Forfeit | Attainted for treason |
| 1528 | Thomas Boleyn | Earl of Ormond | Second creation via Piers Butler's resignation |
| 1538/1544 | Piers Butler | Earl of Ormond | Restored to 1328 creation |
| 1660/1682 | James Butler | Duke of Ormonde | Elevation to Dukedom in Ireland and England |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first person to hold the title of Earl of Ormond?
The earldom was originally created in 1328 for James Butler.
How did Thomas Boleyn acquire the title?
Thomas Boleyn was awarded the titles of Ormond and Wiltshire in 1528 after Piers Butler was induced to resign his rights. Boleyn had a slim claim to the title as a maternal grandson of the 7th Earl.
What happened to the Boleyn creation of the peerage?
The second creation became extinct upon the death of Thomas Boleyn because he had no surviving male heirs, as his son George had been executed for treason.
When did the spelling change to "Ormonde"?
The spelling "Ormonde" became almost universally used after 1682.
What was the highest rank achieved by the holders of this title?
The highest rank was Duke of Ormonde, achieved by James Butler in 1660 in the Peerage of Ireland and in 1682 in the Peerage of England.