Talbot of Carton

The Castle and Lordship of Malahide, on the sea coast, near Dublin, was possessed by the family of Talbot from a period contemporary with the first introduction of English government into Ireland, and at this moment they furnish an instance unusually rare, of a baronial estate having continued for upwards of 650 years in the male heirs and name of him on whom it had been originally conferred by HENRY II.

It is remarkable, too, that of the ancient seigniorial estates in Ireland, whose lords were vested with the dignity of parliamentary barons, not one can be traced to have been held directly and immediately under the crown but the lordship of Malahide.

In this respect Malahide seems to have been unique in Ireland, and its lords, pursuant to the nature of their original tenure and the terms of their royal charters, never rendered homage, suit, or service to any but the crown; nor acknowledged any superior but the King alone.

Richard de Talbot, who is mentioned in the Domesday Book, was the common ancestor of the Lords of Malahide, and of the Earls of Shrewsbury; and in consequence of the well-known affinity of those two branches, the family in Ireland, by ancient entails and settlements, made the members of the house of Shrewsbury next heirs in remainder to their Irish estates.

SIR THOMAS TALBOT, Knight, of Malahide, County Dublin (representative of the ancient and eminent family of Talbot, of Malahide), had a grant, in 1529, of livery of all of his father's estates in several counties in Ireland.

Sir Thomas, in 1532, being sued in the Exchequer for not executing the office of High Sheriff of County Dublin, pleaded the patent granted to his grandfather by EDWARD IV, exonerating him and his heirs from such offices, and declared that he would not act as High Sheriff; whereupon the proceedings were discontinued.

By Catherine his wife he had three sons, of whom WILLIAM TALBOT succeeded at Malahide; and

ROBERT TALBOT was father of

WILLIAM TALBOT, Recorder of Dublin ca 1603, who acquired the estate of CARTON, County Kildare, and was created a baronet, in 1623, designated of Carton, County Kildare.

Sir William married Alison, daughter of John Netterville, of Castleton, County Meath, and had issue, sixteen children, including

ROBERT, his successor;

Peter (Most Rev), RC Archbishop of Dublin;

Richard, created Earl of Tyrconnell;

Margaret; Frances; Eleanor; Mary.

The first house on record at Carton was during the 17th century, when Sir William Talbot, Recorder of Dublin ca 1603, was given a lease of the lands by the 14th Earl of Kildare, and is thought to have built a house. The house and lands were forfeited to the crown in 1691; and sold, in 1703, to Lieutenant-General Richard Ingoldsby, Master-General of the Ordnance.

Sir William died in 1634, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

SIR ROBERT TALBOT, 2nd Baronet (c1610-70), of Carton, who wedded Grace, daughter of GEORGE, 1ST BARON BALTIMORE, and had issue,

WILLIAM, his successor;

Frances; Mary.

Sir Robert was succeeded by his only son,

SIR WILLIAM TALBOT, 3rd Baronet (c1643-91), who espoused, in 1683, the Lady Anne Nugent, daughter of Richard, 2nd Earl of Westmeath; the marriage was, however, without issue.

Following the demise of his royal master, JAMES II, Sir William was attainted, his lands and titles forfeited.

First published in June, 2022.  Talbot arms courtesy of European Heraldry.