Tuite family genealogy

Of Sonnagh,County Westmeath

Crest: An angel vested ar. the dexter hand holding a flaming sword ppr. the sinister resting on a shield of the arms (gu.). Motto: Alleluia.

Richard Le Tuite came into Ireland with King Henry the Second, A.D. 1172; where he obtained large possessions in that part of the country now called Westmeath, which after him his posterity possessed and enjoyed up to the Cromwellian confiscations; but, upon the restoration of King Charles the Second, a portion of the confiscated estates was restored to the family, and possessed, at the time of the Williamite confiscations, by Sir Joseph Tuite, of Sonnagh (or Tonnagh), baronet.

In the year 1199, Richard le Tuite built the strong castle of Granard, in “O'Farrell’s Country,” called Annaly, now the county Longford; and in 1210, built the monastery of Granard, which he endowed with large possessions. He soon after died at Athlone, by the fall of a tower.

1. Richard le Tuite, A.D. 1172.

2. Sir John: his son.

3. Rickard: his son.

4. Maurice: his son.

5. Thomas: his son.

6. Sir Rickard: his son; called Riocard na g-Caisleain[1] (or Rickard of the Castles), on account of the many castles he built and fortified. This Rickard and John Bermingham, A.D. 1319, defeated and slew at Faughart, near Dundalk, Edward Bruce, brother of the renowned Robert Bruce, King of Scotland—known as “King Robert the First.”

7. Rickard Oge: his son.

8. John: his son.

9. James: his son; was called “MacRisdeard.”

10. Richard: his son; had two younger brothers—1. Thomas; 2. Jeoffrey.

11. Sir Joseph Tuite, of Sonnagh: son of Richard; living in 1691.

Notes

[1] Riocard na g-Caisleain: This Rickard was the ancestor of Goslin.