Richard Mor de Burgh

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Richard Mor de Burgh, eldest son of William de Burgh; born about 1194, died 1243.^[1] Richard was the founder of the towns of Ballinasloe, Loughrea and Galway.

In 1224, Richard claimed the land of Connacht, which had been granted to his father but never, in fact, handed over. He asserted that the grant to Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair, the native king, after his father's death had been on condition of faithful service, and that his son Aedh mac Cathal Crobdearg Ua Conchobair, who succeeded him that year, had forfeited it. He had the favor of the justiciar, Hubert de Burgh (who may have been his uncle), and was awarded Connacht in May 1227. He was not immediately able to take possession, but in 1235, he summoned the whole feudal host of the Norman barons to aid him and expelled Felim mac Cathal Crobderg Ua Conchobair, the native king, from Connacht. He and his lieutenants received great shares of land, while Felim was obliged to do homage and was allowed only to rent the five Royal cantreds of Athlone from the Crown. De Burgh took the title of "Lord of Connacht".^[1]

Richard was succeeded by his son, Walter de Burgh, 1st Earl of Ulster.

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b} Curtis, Edmund [1950] (2004). A History of Ireland, 6th ed., Routledge, 70–72. ISBN 0415279496.