Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork

Sir Richard Boyle, 1st Earl of Cork, 1st Viscount Dungarvan, 1st Baron Boyle of Youghal, Lord High Treasurer of the Kingdom of Ireland.(October 13, 1566 - September 15, 1643) (Portrait and another, earlier portrait at the National Portrait Gallery, London, England), also known as the Great Earl of Cork.

Background

Boyle was born the second son of Roger Boyle of Faversham in Kent, a descendant of an ancient Herefordshire family, and of Joan, daughter of John Naylor of Canterbury. He went to King's School, Canterbury, at the same time as Christopher Marlowe.

Related Topics:
Faversham - Herefordshire - King's School, Canterbury - Christopher Marlowe

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University education began at Bennet (Corpus Christi) College, Cambridge, England, in 1583. After this he studied law at the Middle Temple in London and became a clerk to Sir Richard Manwood, who was then the chief baron of the exchequer.

Related Topics:
Bennet (Corpus Christi) College, Cambridge - 1583 - Middle Temple - Richard Manwood - Exchequer

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Before completing his studies, Boyle decided to make a new start in Ireland. He arrived in Dublin on June 23, 1588, with just over £27 as well as a gold bracelet worth £10, and a diamond ring, besides some fine clothing.

Related Topics:
Dublin - June 23 - 1588

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In 1590 he obtained the appointment of deputy escheator to John Crofton, the escheator-general. In 1595 he married Joan Apsley, the daughter and co-heiress of William Apsley of Limerick. Joan died in 1599 during childbirth. This marriage brought Boyle an estate of £500 a year, which he continued to receive until at least 1632.

Related Topics:
1590 - Escheator - 1595 - Joan Apsley - Limerick - 1599 - 1632

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Unlike many of his other close relatives whom he took great care to commemorate, he took no trouble to have Joan commemorated after her death, leading to the conviction among some that his (in every sense) monumental commemorative endeavours were were entirely practical (in terms of securing his personal objectives) rather than sentimental (her connections being of no direct use to him after her passing).

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