The first British baronet was an Ulster Planter. In 1611 King James I created the order of Baronets of England to encourage "undertakers" to colonize Ulster. Two hundred such appointments were made, and the heraldic symbol chosen for the Baronetage was O'Neill's Red Hand of Ulster. The Red Hand has, ever since, remained the device of a baronet appointed in any part of the United Kingdom.
I've been pondering my next substantial project, following the county series. I have, accordingly, decided to focus on the baronetcies associated with Northern Ireland. Almost 80% of the baronets on my list now live outside the Province. The oldest baronetcy still extant is that of Staples, of Lissan in County Tyrone, which was created in 1628.
The youngest baronetcy is Graham, of Dromore in County Down, which dates from 1964.
Two baronetcies, Musgrave and Heygate, were created outside Northern Ireland; though I will include them because they have had links with the Province.
I expect to begin the new series in May, 2010.
5 comments :
I've been thinking of this for some time too. It seems to me there were really too many baronets in NI! Sadly, I'm only on the filia line.
I'd forgotten about Sir Crawford McCullagh, who lived in Whiteabbey, until someone mentioned the family to me recently.
W.
I'd overlooked the McCullagh baronets myself, the baronetcy of which became extinct in 1974.
Also the Andrews baronetcy, created 1942 and now extinct.
Yes, he was LCJ, along with Henry and Moore Bts. There really are tons; McFarland, Cunningham, Corry, Clark, Bates, Pottinger, Mulholland, McClure, King and Nugent are some other extinct/non-domicile baronetcies that spring to mind!
W.
You're right, W; I think I'll stick to the less obscure ones at first!
Post a Comment