Last Saturday’s meeting in Limerick saw the presence of Lord Bingham, High Sheriff of County Mayo, who addresses his letters from “39 Bryanston Square, London.” Given the general unfamiliarity with Lord Bingham, even among Limerick residents, it is particularly interesting to explore his lineage and connection to the famed County Limerick. Lord Bingham, as the eldest son of the Earl of Lucan, bears the courtesy title of “Lord Bingham,” and is heir to the earldom, making him also Lord Castlebar.

Over three centuries ago, Sir Richard Bingham, Governor of Connaught, infamously executed in cold blood 400 shipwrecked Spaniards, who had sought shelter on the western coast in September 1588. After this gruesome act, Sir Richard captured Castlebar from the Burkes in July 1592 and secured the Castle and town lease from Mt. Bryan Fitz-William, brother to the Viceroy of Ireland. Castlebar was then described as “a notable place for the general service of that country, built by the English keep under the savage and rude people which dwelt in the mountains.”

In 1593, Sir Richard Bingham and his friend, the Earl of Clanrickard, carried out “good service for the State,” including the killing of Primate Maguuran of Armagh and Abbot Maguire, among others. Bingham eventually became so notorious that he was recalled in July 1596 and was replaced by Sir Conyers Clifford. John Bingham, Sir Richard’s brother, was made Captain of the Fort of Culmore in 1634 and was later created a Baronet of Nova Scotia.

Fast forward a few generations, Sir John Bingham of Castlebar, the fifth baronet, passed away on July 21st, 1749. His son, Charles, the seventh baronet, was created Baron Lucan of Castlebar on July 1st, 1776, and later advanced to the dignity of Earl of Lucan on October 6th, 1796. Interestingly, the title of Earl of Lucan was given to the first peer due to the fact that his grandmother was the sister of Patrick Sarsfield, Earl of Lucan, the hero of Limerick. Richard Bingham, the second earl, passed away in 1839, and his successor, George, was father to the current earl.

In conclusion, the lineage of Lord Bingham, D.L., High Sheriff of County Limerick, traces back to notable figures in Irish history, including the infamous Sir Richard Bingham. Understanding this family tree sheds light on the connections between influential personalities in Irish heritage, as well as the longstanding ties between Limerick and Lucan.

Northants Evening Telegraph – Tuesday 05 August 1902