Burgh Family Genealogy & History

Chris de Burgh, born Christopher John Davison, is a renowned British-Irish singer-songwriter and musician. Known for his transition from art rock to pop, he gained international acclaim with his 1986 hit "The Lady in Red," which topped charts worldwide. Despite limited success in the UK and US initially, de Burgh found a substantial following in Norway, Brazil, and other countries. With over 45 million albums sold globally, his career highlights include the chart-topping albums "The Getaway" and "Into the Light," and enduring singles like "Don't Pay the Ferryman" and "High on Emotion."

Chris de Burgh was born in Venado Tuerto, Argentina, to Colonel Charles John Davison, a British diplomat, and Maeve Emily (née de Burgh). His maternal grandfather, Sir Eric de Burgh, was a notable British Army officer. The family settled in Bargy Castle, County Wexford, Ireland, after living in various countries due to Colonel Davison's diplomatic career. The castle, purchased by Eric de Burgh in the 1960s, was converted into a hotel, where young Chris performed for guests, marking the early beginnings of his music journey.

Elizabeth de Burgh, Queen Consort of Scotland, was the second wife of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. Born around 1289 in Ulster, she became queen when Robert was crowned in 1306. Despite her noble status, Elizabeth endured years of imprisonment during the Scottish-English conflict, demonstrating resilience amidst hardship. She was eventually released in 1315 and had three children, including David II of Scotland. Elizabeth passed away at approximately 38 years old after a fall from her horse, with her body interred at Dunfermline Abbey, a revered burial site for Scottish royalty.

Elizabeth was the daughter of Richard Óg de Burgh, the 2nd Earl of Ulster, a powerful Norman noble and ally to King Edward I of England. Her mother was Margarite de Burgh.

The House of Burgh, also known as Burke or Bourke, is a prominent Irish family descending from the Anglo-Norman de Burgh dynasty. They played a significant role in the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, gaining the earldoms of Kent, Ulster, Clanricarde, and Mayo. Their influence extended to providing queens consort of Scotland and Thomond, and through matrilineal lines, they are ancestors of English kings and the current British royal family. William de Burgh, a key figure, was instrumental in establishing this family's legacy in Ireland.

The de Burgh family originated from William de Burgh, who was the elder brother of Hubert de Burgh, Earl of Kent. William's descendants became Lords of Connaught and held the Earldoms of Ulster and Clanricarde. His lineage includes Elizabeth, who married King Robert I of Scots, and another Elizabeth who married Lionel of Antwerp, connecting them to the Yorkist Plantagenet Kings of England. Hubert de Burgh's descendants, although initially becoming obscure, later emerged as Barons Burgh of Gainsborough.

William de Burgh (c.1160–1205/06) was a pivotal figure in medieval Ireland, founding the House of Burgh. As Governor of Limerick, he fortified and expanded Anglo-Norman influence with key castles like Tibberaghny and Castleconnell. His alliances with the Ó Briain family and military campaigns in Desmond and Connacht significantly shaped Irish history. De Burgh's efforts secured him the title "Lord of Connacht" by 1203, marking him as a crucial player in Ireland's socio-political landscape.

William de Burgh was the eldest son of Walter de Burgh and Alice of Burgh-next-Aylsham, Norfolk. His notable siblings included Hubert de Burgh, 1st Earl of Kent, and Geoffrey de Burgh, Bishop of Ely, indicating a family deeply rooted in medieval nobility.