(413) Barry (later Bury-Barry) of Ballyclough and Lisnagar

Bury-Barry of Ballyclough

This family claimed kinship to the senior line of the Barry family, who became Barons Barrymore and later Earls of Barrymore (and who will be the subject of a future post), but the connection cannot now be established. They were already in possession of the Rathcormac estate in Co. Cork in the time of Redmond Barry (d. by 1690), with whom the genealogy below begins. The head of the family was distinguished by the honorific title 'The McAdam Barry", but again the origin and significance of this has been lost. 

Redmond Barry married twice and had one son by each marriage. The elder son, Col. James Barry (1659-1717), inherited the Rathcormac estate, to which the 'pocket borough' of Rathcormac was attached, allowing the family to have a seat in the Irish parliament whenever they wished. Col. James sat in the Jacobite parliament in Dublin in 1689 and as a result was outlawed after William III secured control of Ireland, but he subsequently made his peace with the new regime, and the outlawry was reversed so that he was able to return to parliament and to hold local office again. It was probably at this time that the family adopted the Protestant religion, although that is not certain. Col. Barry was succeeded at Rathcormac in turn by his sons James (1689-1743), who probably built or rebuilt Lisnagar House, and Redmond (1696-1750), but since none of his four sons produced any children, his estates passed in 1750 to the descendants of his half-brother, Redmond Barry (d. 1739). This Redmond had inherited his mother's family estate of Ballyclough at Kilworth (Co. Cork), which was clearly viewed as a lesser property, not least because it did not include a parliamentary seat. Ballyclough passed to Redmond's son, also Redmond Barry (c.1705-41), who did not long survive his father, and then to Redmond's son, James Barry (1739-93), who was then an infant and still very young when he also inherited the Rathcormac estate and Lisnagar House in 1750. The combination of the two properties gave the family a brief period of greater prosperity, reflected in the socially advantageous marriage of James's sister in 1752 to St. Leger Aldworth, later 1st Viscount Doneraile, and in his own marriage to an heiress. For reasons which are unclear, in 1775 the Lisnagar-Rathcormac estate was sold, leaving only the smaller Ballyclough property in the family's hands. On James' death, this descended to his elder son, Redmond Barry (c.1766-1812), a lawyer and agricultural improver, who played a leading role in the local militia during the troubled years of the late 1790s. When he died without issue, the estate passed to his younger brother, Maj-Gen. Henry Green Barry (1769-1838), who was a career soldier. 

At the time of his unexpected inheritance, Henry Green Barry was stationed in the West Indies, but he managed to arrange a transfer home by 1813, although he did not finally leave the army for several years afterwards. It was probably he who rebuilt Ballyclough House to provide accommodation for his large family of six boys and seven girls. When he died in 1838 he must have felt confident that the succession to the estate had been secured. However, none of his six sons produced any legitimate issue, although his third son, Sir Redmond Barry (1813-80) - who made a notable career as a judge, educationalist and librarian in Australia - sired four acknowledged illegitimate children. His son and heir, James Barry (1805-81), married Olivia Drew, who had inherited Mocollop Castle (Co. Waterford) from her brother in 1839, but they had no children. James seems to have struggled financially in the difficult years of the 1840s when the famine made rents difficult to maintain and to collect, and he fought a constant battle against damp at Ballyclough. In the end, he gave up trying to live there, and moved to his wife's house at Mocollop. When he died in 1881, Ballyclough passed to his younger brother, St. Leger Barry (1816-88), who was also childless. On his death, the estate passed to his great-nephew, James Robert Bury (1875-1963), who was the grandson of Henry Green Barry's eldest daughter, Letitia. As a condition of the inheritance, he took the additional name Barry by royal licence in 1889. He had been brought up in Kent, and as a young man had travelled widely. On his return to England he arranged for Ballyclough to be modernised, and a ballroom was added in 1904. In 1906 he married an English girl and brought her to live at Ballyclough, but the First World War took him away again and with the climax of the Irish struggle for independence he obviously decided that it was not safe for the family to remain in Ireland. Accordingly, he bought a modest house in Surrey to which the family moved in about 1918 or 1919, and Ballyclough was abandoned. Some sources report that it was burned by the IRA in 1920 but I have not been able to confirm this. At all events, the estate was subsequently sold and most of the house was demolished, leaving only the 1904 ballroom, which was converted into a modest house, reusing some salvaged elements of the remainder of the building. As a coda to this story, in 1934 Mrs Bury-Barry inherited Elvington Hall near York, and the family moved there from Surrey soon afterwards. Elvington was eventually sold in 1957.

Ballyclough House, Kilworth, Co. Cork

Ballyclough House, Kilworth: a Victorian photograph of the main front (Image: Irish Architectural Archive)

A mildly Gothic two-storey early 19th century house of seven bays, with gables, large and unconvincing battlements, casement windows under hoodmoulds, and a pair of buttresses framing the windows at either end, which was probably built (or rather rebuilt) for Sir Henry Green Barry after he retired from the army c.1820. The house is said to have suffered from an acute damp problem, and despite re-roofing and refurbishment in the 1850s or 1860s it is said to have been abandoned on that account in 1877. A further refurbishment took place after James Bury-Barry came of age in 1896, probably at the time when a ballroom was added in 1904. Major Bury-Barry was still resident in 1911 but later, when the Irish independence struggle led to increased violence against the Anglo-Irish community he moved back to England, and the house is said to have been used as a military garrison. One account says it was burnt by the IRA in 1920, but I have not been able to confirm that. Certainly the greater part of the house was pulled down in the mid 20th century, but the ballroom added in 1904 remains and has been converted into a house which includes an impressive neo-Jacobean staircase, no doubt salvaged from the demolished part of the building and much re-arranged.

Descent: Sir Nicholas Purdon, kt.; to grandson, Redmond Barry (d. 1739); to son, Redmond Barry (c.1705-41); to son, James Barry (1739-93); to son, Redmond Barry (c.1766-1812); to brother, Maj-Gen. Henry Green Barry (c.1769-1838); to son, James Barry (1805-81); to brother, St. Leger Barry (1816-88); to great-nephew, Maj. James Robert Bury (later Bury-Barry) (1875-1963)...

Lisnagar House, Rathcormac, Co. Cork

Lisnagar (often spelled Lisnegar until recent times) and Rathcormac belonged to the Barry family from the 13th century onwards, but nothing seems to be known of their house here before the 18th century, when it was rebuilt for either Col. James Barry (1659-1717) or more probably his son James (1689-1743). This building seems to comprise the central three bays of the south front of the present house, although the wing to its left may also be 18th century. 

Lisnagar, Rathcormac: the house at its maximum extent, in a watercolour by J.E. Bosanquet, c.1860.

In 1771 the estate was sold to William Tonson, a Cork banker, who perhaps acquired it chiefly for the associated parliamentary seat of Rathcormac, which he occupied until he was elevated to the peerage as Baron Riversdale in 1783. In the 1820s, his son, William Tonson (1775-1848), 2nd Baron Riversdale, enlarged the house and gave it a rambling Tudor-style appearance, probably to the designs of James & George R. Pain. The additions included a three-storey projecting wing on the left with a polygonal end elevation that rose into a shaped gable. The original house was flanked by wings that were given large castellated and mullioned canted bays, with wide dormer gables above. The centre block was also given gables and a big two-storey porch. Inside, the surviving 18th century rooms are low and plain, and there is a late 18th century staircase in a projection behind the hall. In 1909, when the house was advertised to let, it was noted that 'a large sum has recently been expended in remodelling the house and out-offices and making them both up to date', probably to the designs of W.H. Hill & Co. of Cork, but the three-storey range on the left side of the house was demolished in the mid 20th century. East of the house is a fine early 18th century tree-line T-shaped canal, which already existed and was 'stocked with fish' in 1750.

Lisnagar House in recent years. (Image: NIAH)

Descent: Redmond Barry (d. c.1690); to son, Col. James Barry (1659-1717); to son, James Barry (1689-1743); to brother, Redmond Barry (1696-1750); to half-cousin, once removed, James Barry (1739-93), who sold 1771 to William Tonson (1724-87), 1st Baron Riversdale; to son, William Tonson (1775-1848), 2nd Baron Riversdale; to brother, Rt. Rev. Ludlow Tonson (1784-1861), bishop of Killaloe & Clonfert, 3rd Baron Riversdale; to nephew, William Thomas Jonas Alcock-Stawell (later Alcock-Stawell-Riversdale) (1850-1900);  to father, William St. Leger Alcock-Stawell (c.1817-1907); to daughter, Esther Mary Alcock-Stawell (later Alcock-Stawell-Riversdale) (1858-1932), who sold by 1924 to Lt-Col. Douglas Thorne Seckham (d. 1937); sold to Maj. Merlin Gordon Lubbock (d. 1952); sold after his death to Maj. Timothy E. Hallinan (1923-74); sold c.1961 to Capt. John Meade; sold c.1970 to Mrs. Maureen F. Hogan (fl. 1982)... 

Elvington Hall, Yorkshire (ER)

A large brick-built house which is said to have Elizabethan or 17th century origins, although this is not apparent from the exterior, which seems entirely 18th century and later. The house had seven hearths in 1672. The north-facing entrance front is of two-and-a-half storeys, and has plain sash windows and a pedimented doorcase. The row of small windows under the eaves lighting an attic is perhaps the only sign that the house has pre-18th century origins. The late 18th century south front, overlooking the River Derwent, has three bays, with a pedimented doorcase in the centre, set within a round-arched recess and flanked by two-storey canted bays.  

Elvington Hall: the south front before the addition of the wing.

Elvington Hall: the south front after the addition of the wing in the 1900s.

To the right of this is a substantial wing, which consists of a continuation of the existing facade with a third two-storey canted bay, and then beyond it a recessed service wing. This has traditionally been dated to c.1920, but appears to be shown on the 6" Ordnance map surveyed in 1908. Inside the house, original features include neo-classical cornices and friezes, and contemporary woodwork in the rooms behind the left hand bay, and a plain modillion cornice in the hall and lobby. The drawing room has an imported early 19th century fireplace. The staircase was installed when the wing was added and has two column-on-vase balusters to each step. The house was recently used as an hotel, but is now a private house once more.

Descent: Crown leased to Eglesfield family in the 16th century; sold 1628... sold 1632 to Sir John Gibson and Ralph Radcliffe; sold 1646 to Sir Roger Jacques; to Roger Jacques; to daughter Mary, wife of Simon Sterne (fl. 1700)... Roger Sterne sold 1775 to John Ramsey (d. 1801); to nieces, Susannah Spence and Dorothy Garwood; sold by their children's trustees 1857 to Smith Wormald; sold 1876 to John Dobby; sold 1881 to Harriet Whitaker; to daughter Harriet (1855-1934), wife of William Trend Hamlyn Van Beverhoudt (1841-1909); to cousin, Judith Isabel (d. 1946/7), wife of Maj. J.R. Bury-Barry (1875-1963); sold 1957 to K. Wadham; sold 1962 to R.M. Pontefract (fl. 1972)...

Barry (later Bury-Barry) family of Ballyclough

Barry, Redmond (d. c.1690), the McAdam Barry. Parentage unknown. He married 1st, Mary, daughter of John Boyle of Castle Lyons (Co. Cork) and 2nd, 1666, Jane, eldest daughter of Sir Nicholas Purdon, kt., of Ballyclough, MP for Baltimore, and had issue:
(1.1) Col. James Barry (1659-1717) (q.v.);
(1.2) Anne Barry (c.1660-1737), born about 1660; married 1st, 1683, Capt. Samuel Hartwell (1645-93), who was killed at the Battle of Landen (Belgium), son of William Hartwell, mayor of Limerick, and had issue one son and two daughters; married 2nd, c.1696, Rev. William Jephson (c.1658-1720), Dean of Lismore* Cathedral, 1691-1720, son of Maj-Gen. John Jephson, and had issue one son and two daughters; died at Rathcormack, 18 October 1737 and was buried with her second husband at Lismore Cathedral;
(1.3) Catherine Barry (d. by 1693); married, c.1680, Alan Brodrick MP (c.1656-1728), 'one of the most outstanding Irish politicians of the 18th century', later created 1st Baron Brodrick and 1st Viscount Midleton (who m2, 1693, Lucy, third daughter of Sir Peter Courthope of Little Island (Co. Cork) and had further issue two sons and one daughter; and who m3, 1 December 1716, Anne, daughter of Sir John Trevor of Brynkinalt (Denbighs) and widow of Rt. Hon Michael Hill MP of Hillsborough (Co. Down)), and had issue one son; died before 1693;
(2.1) Redmond Barry (d. 1739) (q.v.);
(2.2) A daughter;
(2.3) A daughter.
He inherited Lisnagar and Rathcormac (Co. Cork).
He died between 1681 and 1690; his will was proved 23 March 1690. His first wife died before 1666. His second wife's date of death is unknown.
* Many sources call him Dean of Kilmore, a post which he may have held briefly in 1690-91.

Barry, Col. James (1659-1717), the McAdam Barry. Only son of Redmond Barry (d. c.1690) and his first wife, Mary, daughter of John Boyle of Castle Lyons (Co. Cork), born 1659. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin (admitted 1677). He was an officer in the army (Capt. by 1692; Col., c.1699). MP for Rathcormack, 1689, 1692-93, 1695-99, 1713-14 and for Dungarvan, 1703-13, 1715-17. He sat in the Jacobite parliament of 1689 and was outlawed as a result, but in 1692 he was allowed to bring a Writ of Error for the reversal of his outlawry. He was given the freedom of Cork City, 1697 and was made Deputy Governor of Co. Cork, 1699. He married 1st, Mary, daughter of Abraham Anselm of London, and 2nd, Susanna, daughter of John Townsend of Timoleague (Co. Cork) and granddaughter of the 2nd Earl of Barrymore, and had issue:
(1.1) James Barry (1689-1743) (q.v.);
(1.2) Redmond Barry (1696-1750) (q.v.);
(1.3) Mary Barry (d. 1750?); was bequeathed the Rathcormack estate by her brother Redmond, but Henrietta, the widow of Redmond Barry (d. 1741?) seized possession of it on behalf of her son under a claim of entail, which appears to have been sustained by the House of Lords; died unmarried, probably late in 1750;
(2.1) David Barry; doctor of medicine (MD); died without issue;
(2.2) Patrick Barry; doctor of medicine (MD): died without issue;
(2.3) Elizabeth Barry (d. 1772?); married, 1721/2, Noblett Dunscombe MP (1699-1745) of Mount Desart (Co. Cork), son of William Dunscombe, but had no issue; said to have died in January 1772;
(2.4) Katherine Barry (d. 1754); married, 1716, John Townshend (1691-1756) of Skirtagh, Clonakilty (Co. Cork), son of Col. Bryan Townshend, and had issue four sons and four daughters; died 20 December 1754.
He inherited Rathcormac and Lisnagar from his father in the 1680s.
He died in 1716/17; his will was proved in 1716/17. His first wife died after 1696. His second wife's date of death is unknown.

Barry, James (1689-1743), the McAdam Barry. Elder son of Col. James Barry (1659-1717) and his first wife Mary, daughter of Abraham Anselm of London, born 1689. Educated at Cork and Trinity College, Dublin (matriculated 1706). Whig MP in the Irish Parliament for Dungarvan, 1713-14, 1721-27 and Rathcormack, 1727-43. High Sheriff of Co. Cork, 1721; Clerk of the Pipe in the Irish Court of Exchequer, 1729-43. A foundation member of the Royal Dublin Society, 1733. He was unmarried and without issue.
He inherited Lisnagar and Rathcormac from his father.
He died in 1743.

Barry, Redmond (1696-1750), the McAdam Barry. Younger son of Col. James Barry (1659-1717) and his first wife Mary, daughter of Abraham Anselm of London, baptised 16 September 1696. MP for Dungarvan, 1717-27 and Tallow, 1727-50; High Sheriff of Co. Cork, 1734. He married, 11 August 1727, Anne Smyth of Coolmore (Co. Cork), but had no issue.
He inherited Rathcormac and Lisnagar from his elder brother. At his death he attempted to bequeath the estate to his sister, but it passed to his half-cousin once removed, James Barry (1739-93) (q.v.), under an entail.
He died in 1750. His wife's date of death is unknown. 

---

Barry, Redmond (d. 1739). Only son of Redmond Barry (d. c.1690) and his second wife, Jane, eldest daughter of Sir Nicholas Purdon, kt., MP, of Ballyclough, born after 1666. He married, 1700, a daughter of George Crofts of Velvetstown (Co. Cork) and had issue, possibly among others:
(1) Redmond Barry (c.1705-41) (q.v.);
(2) Nicholas Barry;
(3) Thomas Barry;
(4) Judith Barry;
(5) Deborah Barry.
He inherited Ballyclough from his maternal grandfather.
His will was proved in 1739. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Barry, Redmond (c.1705-41). Only son of Redmond Barry (d. 1739) and his wife Mary Anne, daughter of George Crofts of Velvetstown (Co. Cork), born about 1705. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin (admitted 1724/5). He married, 1732, Henrietta (c.1703-69?), second daughter of William Dunscombe of Mount Desart (Co. Cork), and had issue:
(1) Mary Catherine Barry (c.1733-78), born about 1733; married, 1752, St. Leger Aldworth (later St. Leger), 1st Viscount Doneraile (c.1715-87), second son of Richard Aldworth MP (1694-1776) of Newmarket Court, and had issue seven sons and seven daughters; died 3 March 1778 and was buried at Doneraile (Co. Cork);
(2) James Barry (1739-93) (q.v.);
(3) Katherine Barry;
(4) Judith Barry.
He inherited Ballyclough from his father in 1739.
His will was proved in Dublin in 1741. His widow was living in 1765; according to one source she died about 1769.

Barry, James (1739-93), the McAdam Barry. Only son of Redmond Barry (c.1705-41) and his wife Henrietta, second daughter of William Dunscombe of Mount Desart (Co. Cork), said to have been born in Co. Fermanagh, 1739. Educated at Kilkenny College (admitted 1754), and Trinity College, Dublin (admitted 1757). He succeeded his half-cousin once removed as the McAdam Barry in 1750. MP for Rathcormack in the Irish Parliament, 1768-76. He married, March 1765, Elizabeth, daughter and co-heiress of Abraham Green of Ballymacreese (Co. Limerick), and had issue including:
(1) Redmond Barry (c.1766-1812) (q.v.);
(2) Elizabeth Arabella Barry (c.1767-1854), born in France about 1767; lived at The Cottage, Malvern Wells (Worcs), where she enjoyed frequent visits from her younger brother's children; died unmarried, Apr-Jun 1854; will proved 2 November 1854;
(3) Maj-Gen. Henry Green Barry (1769-1838) (q.v.).
He inherited Ballyclough from his father in 1741, and Rathcormack and Lisnagar from his cousin in 1750. He sold Rathcormack to William Tonson in 1775.
He died in Bath (Som.), 25 October 1793. His wife's date of death is unknown.

Barry, Redmond (c.1766-1812), the McAdam Barry. Elder son of James Barry (1739-93) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter and co-heiress of Abraham Green of Ballymachree (Co. Limerick). Educated at Trinity College, Dublin (admitted 1783; BA 1787; LLB 1792) and Kings Inns (called 1792). Barrister-at-law. An officer in the South Cork militia (Lt-Col.). He was interested in agricultural improvement, and was one of the landowners who supported an initiative to establish a manufactory for improved agricultural machinery in Ireland, 1803. He was unmarried and without issue.
He inherited Ballyclough from his father in 1793.
He died 'of fever' at Boyle (Co. Roscommon), 16 February 1812; his will was proved in 1814.

Barry, Maj-Gen. Henry Green (1769-1838), the McAdam Barry. Second son of James Barry (1739-93) and his wife Elizabeth, daughter and co-heiress of Abraham Green of Ballymachree (Co. Limerick), born 1769. An officer in the army (Ensign, 1789; Lt., 1791; Capt., 1794; Maj., 1800; Lt-Col., 1801; Col., 1810; Maj-Gen., 1813; retired by 1820), who saw service in Canada, Ireland and the West Indies; High Sheriff of Co. Cork, 1821-22. He married, 21 September 1804, Phoebe (c.1786-1869), daughter of John Armstrong Drought of Lettybrook (Co. Offaly), and had issue:
(1) James Barry (1805-81) (q.v.);
(2) Letitia Elizabeth Barry (1806-47) (q.v.);
(3) Elizabeth Phoebe Barry (1808-83), born at Lillybrook (Co. Offaly), 11 August 1808 and received into the RC church at Glanworth, 13 February 1818; lived with her aunt at The Cottage, Great Malvern (Worcs) until 1848 and was the primary beneficiary of her will; married, 15 March 1849 at St Peter, Dale End, Birmingham, Henry Murray Simpson (c.1826-88)* (who m2, 8 August 1883, Harriet (b. 1855), landlady of the Albion Tavern, Cheltenham, daughter of James Taylor of Cheltenham, french polisher), steward in the merchant navy, possibly the son of Rev. Douglas Murray Simpson (who has not been identified), and had issue one son (who died young in 1862); some years after the death of their son, they took in another boy whose parents were emigrating to America, until they should send for the child, but in 1876, when this had not happened and they had 'got tired of the boy', he was sent to the Cheltenham workhouse**; she died 5 March 1883; administration of goods granted, 17 May 1884 (effects in England, £2,225 and in Ireland, £2,000);
(4) Capt. Henry Barry (1811-53), born in Grenada, 20 June 1811 and received into the RC church at Glanworth, 13 February 1818; an officer in the Indian army (Cadet 1827; Ensign, 1827; Lt., 1830; Capt., 1845); died unmarried when he was ambushed near Prome (Burma), 28 December 1853; buried at Prome Cemetery; will proved 19 June 1858 (effects under £1,500);
(5) Sir Redmond Barry (1813-80), kt., born 7 June and baptised at Glanworth RC church, 15 August 1813; educated at Trinity College, Dublin (admitted 1832; BA 1837; LLD) and Kings Inns (called 1838); emigrated to Australia, 1839; solicitor general for Victoria, 1850; senior puisne judge of the Supreme Court of Victoria (Australia), 1851-80, in which capacity he is best known for sentencing Ned Kelly to death in 1880; a noted educationalist, he was inaugural Chancellor of University of Melbourne, 1855-77 and president of Melbourne Public Library, 1856-80; knight bachelor, 1860 and KCMG, 1877; 'one of the most energetic and able colonists, and a truly courteous gentleman'; he was unmarried, but had three sons and one daughter by his partner Louisa Bridget Barrow (1823-89), all of whom he acknowledged; died 23 November 1880;
(6) Caroline Henrietta Barry (1815-72), born in Limerick, 29 April 1815 and received into the RC church at Glanworth, 13 February 1818; lived with her mother in Bristol and later at Bellevue Terrace, Cork; died unmarried, 1 April 1872; administration of goods granted to her eldest brother, 29 April 1873 (effects in Ireland, under £4,000 and in England under £1,500);
(7) St. Leger Barry (1816-88) (q.v.);
(8) Katherine Judith Barry (1818-73), baptised at Glanworth RC church, 13 February 1818; married, 17 September 1840 at Glanworth (Co. Cork), Lt-Col. Edward Osborne Broadley (1803-67), and had issue six sons and four daughters; died at Belleview Terrace, Cork, 6 February 1873; administration of goods granted 15 October 1873 (estate under £1,500);
(9) John Richard alias John Henry Barry (1819-47), born 31 October and baptised at Glanworth RC church, 26 November 1819; an officer in the army (Ensign, 1838; Lt., 1842); died unmarried at Coloba, Bombay (India), and was buried there, 1 September 1847;
(10) Phoebe Maria Barry (1821-42), baptised at Glanworth RC church, 20 October 1821; died unmarried, January 1842;
(11) Charlotte Barry (1823-1900), baptised at Glanworth RC church, 29 April 1823; married 1st, 9 March 1865 at Christ Church, Clifton (Glos), as his second wife, John Carroll (1789-1875) of Notting Hill (Middx), barrister-at-law, son of Edward Carroll, solicitor, and 2nd, 26 April 1887 at St Matthew, Cheltenham (Glos), Thomas Grier (1815-98), language tutor, son of Henry Grier, farmer; died without issue in Bristol, 12 November, and was buried at Cheltenham Cemetery, 15 November 1900; will proved 8 December 1900 (estate £1,190);
(12) Louisa Octavia Barry (1825-45), baptised at Glanworth RC church, 2 December 1825; died unmarried, 11 January, and was buried at Monkstown (Co. Dublin), 16 January 1845;
(13) Maj-Gen. William Wigram Barry (1827-83), baptised at Glanworth RC church, 28 May 1827; an officer in the Royal Artillery (2nd Lt., 1846; Lt., 1846; Capt., 1854; Maj., 1855; Lt-Col., 1858; Col., 1866; Maj-Gen., 1880; retired on half-pay, 1882); he served in the Crimea, 1854-55 (appointed CB); in India, 1857-58, where he was present at the relief of Lucknow; and in China, 1860; died unmarried at Hotel Royale, Naples, 19 April, and was buried at Brompton Cemetery (Middx), 9 May 1883; will proved in Dublin, 7 June 1883 (estate in Ireland, £19,838 and in England, £5,132).
He inherited Ballyclough from his elder brother in 1812, and probably rebuilt it about the time he retired from the army, c.1820.
He died at Ballyclough, 13 May 1838; his will was proved in Dublin in 1838. His widow died in Bristol, 5 May 1869; her will was proved 7 June 1869 (effects under £1,500).
* Henry Murray Simpson is a man of some mystery. See 'Can you help' below.
** The case was discussed by the Board of Guardians, who said that the workhouse master was wrong to admit him, although since this had been done, they could not then refuse to maintain him. During his time with the Murray Simpsons, the boy had been 'kept as a gentleman's son'.

Barry, James (1805-81), the McAdam Barry. Eldest son of Maj-Gen. Henry Green Barry (1769-1838) and his wife Phoebe, daughter of John Armstrong Drought of Lettybrook (Co. Offaly), born in Barbadoes, 28 July 1805 and received into the RC church at Glanworth, 13 February 1818. An officer in the army (Ensign, 1823; Lt., 1826; Capt., 1833; retired c.1839). JP and DL (from 1855) for Co. Cork; High Sheriff of Co. Cork, 1841-42. He stood unsuccessfully for Parliament in the Liberal interest in Co. Cork in 1852 and 1857. He married, 2 March 1841 at St. Anne, Dublin, Olivia Maria (1820-84), daughter and sole heiress of Francis Drew of Mocollop Castle (Co. Waterford), but had no issue.
He inherited Ballyclough from his father in 1838 but is said to have given up living there in 1877 because of damp problems. At his death it passed to his younger brother, St. Leger Barry. His wife inherited Mocollop Castle from her brother in 1839; at her death it passed to distant cousins, although her second husband probably had a life interest since he died at Mocollop in 1895.
James died at Mocollop Castle, 30 April 1881; his will was proved 31 August 1881 (effects £22,500). His widow married 2nd, 27 September 1883 at Mocollop, Lt-Col. George Edward Hillier CB (1820-95), Inspector-General of Royal Irish Constabulary; she died of typhoid fever at Mocollop Castle, 25 November 1884 and her will was proved 19 February 1885 (effects £7,153).

Barry, St. Leger (1816-88), the McAdam Barry. Fourth son of Maj-Gen. Henry Green Barry (1769-1838) and his wife Phoebe, daughter of John Armstrong Drought of Lettybrook (Co. Offaly), born in Limerick, 29 June 1816 and received into the RC church at Glanworth, 13 February 1818. An officer in the 65th foot (Ensign, 1835; Lt., 1839; Capt., 1844; retired by 1854) and the North Cork Rifles (Capt. 1854). JP for Co. Cork; member of the Lismore Board of Guardians. He had poor relations with his tenants, and was the subject of a boycott organised by the Land League in 1886. He married, 14 November 1883 at Roslin Chapel (Midlothian), Mary Caroline Therese (b. 1859), second daughter of George Carr, but had no issue.
St. Leger inherited Ballyclough from his elder brother in 1881. At his death it passed to his great-nephew, Maj. James Robert Bury-Barry.
He died 7 July 1888; his will was proved 25 September 1888 (effects £2,724). His wife's date of death is unknown.

Barry, Letitia Elizabeth (1806-47). Eldest daughter of Maj-Gen. Henry Green Barry (d. 1838) and his wife Phoebe, daughter of John Armstrong Drought of Lettybrook (Co. Offaly), born in Barbadoes, 8 August 1806 and received into the RC church at Glanworth, 13 February 1818. She married, 21 May 1835 at Glanworth (Co. Cork), Rev. Robert Bury (c.1780-1853) of Carrigrenane (Co. Cork), an enthusiastic yachtsman who was curate of Carrigtwohill, c.1803-24 and prebendary of Coole, 1824-53, second son of Phineas Bury of Little Island, and had issue:
(1) Phineas Henry Bury (1836-53), born April 1836; died at sea, 24 May 1853;
(2) Phoebe Hester Jane Bury (1837-1923). born September 1837; married, 4 May 1861 at Rathcooney (Co. Cork), General Robert Pratt CB (1815-86), third son of Rev. Robert Pratt, prebendary of Desertmore (Co. Cork), and had issue five sons and two daughters; died at Churchdown (Glos), 26 May 1923; administration of goods granted to her son, 23 July 1923 (estate £113);
(3) Elizabeth Charlotte Bury (1839-40), born 16 July 1839; died in infancy, 9 March 1840;
(4) Robert Bury (1840-80) (q.v.);
(5) Letitia Elizabeth Bury (1842-1905). born 4 July 1842; married, 14 August 1862 at Rathcooney, Capt. Richard Pennefather Going JP (1821-72), of Ballynonty House (Tipp.), second son of Ambrose Going of Ballyphilip (Co. Tipp.), but had no issue; died at Tain (Ross & Cromarty), 10 March 1905; will proved 10 August 1905 (estate £4,350);
(6) Hester Beatrice Bury (1843-1913), born 1 August 1843; married 1st, 4 May 1861 at Glanworth (Co. Cork), Capt. Francis Robert Fox (d. 1864) of Kinawley (Co. Fermanagh), fourth son of Rev. John James Fox, but had no issue; married 2nd, 16 February 1865 at St James, Piccadilly, Westminster (Middx), Maj-Gen. George de la Poer Beresford (1830-1913) of Madras Staff Corps, eldest son of Rev. George de la Poer Beresford of Fenagh (Co. Leitrim), and had issue one son and two daughters; died in London, 9 May 1913; administration of goods granted 21 February 1914 (estate £390); 
(7) twin, Col. John Thomas Bury (1844-1928), born 4 August 1844; an officer in the Royal Artillery, 1865-97 (Lt., 1865; Capt., 1877; Maj., 1884; Lt. Col., 1891; Col. 1896); ADC to General Primrose in 1876; died unmarried, 22 February 1928; will proved 8 May 1928 (estate £5,894);
(8) twin, Charlotte Mary Bury (1844-1935), born 4 August 1844; married, 8 October 1864 at St Ann, Dublin, Capt. Crofton Toler Vandeleur (1840-84), second son of Col. Crofton Moore Vandeleur of Kilrush (Co. Clare) and had issue two sons and two daughters; died 31 October 1935.
After her marriage, she lived at Killora Lodge and later at Carrigrenane (Co. Cork), which her husband gave up in 1852.
She died in April 1847. Her husband died at Harmony Lodge, Belfast, in March 1853.

Bury, Robert (1840-80). Elder son of Rev. Robert Bury (c.1780-1853) and his wife Letitia Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Maj-Gen. Henry Green Barry, born 9 November 1840. An officer in the 7th Dragoon Guards (Cornet, 1858; Lt., 1860; Capt., 1866; retired in 1868); Captain and Adjutant of the West Kent Yeomanry Cavalry, 1870-80; Chairman of the Folkestone Waterworks Co. He married, 25 August 1869 at Folkestone (Kent), Anna Maria (1845-1914), daughter of Richard Hart, and had issue:
(1) Letitia Mary Bury (1870-1953), baptised at Wateringbury, 27 July 1870; married, 17 November 1896 at Christ Church, Purley (Surrey), Maj. Norman Atkinson Layton (1866-1929) of Chichester (Sussex), son of James Norman Layton of Claremont (Norfk), and had issue two daughters; died 10 February 1953; will proved 1 June 1953 (estate £8,804);
(2) Maj. James Robert Bury (later Bury-Barry) (1875-1963) (q.v.).
He lived at Wateringbury (Kent).
He died at Wateringbury, 1 April 1880, and was buried at Cheriton Road Cemetery, Folkestone; his will was proved 24 April 1880. His widow married 2nd, 29 April 1891 at Denton (Kent), Capt. James Richard Broadley RN (1849-1917) and died 13 December 1914; her will was proved 20 April 1915 (estate £23,806).

Maj. J.R. Bury-Barry

Bury (later Bury-Barry), Maj. James Robert (1875-1963), the McAdam Barry. Only son of Robert Bury (1840-80) and his wife Anna Maria, daughter of Richard Hart, born 3 January and baptised at Wateringbury (Kent), 17 February 1875. Educated at Wellington School. He succeeded his great-uncle as the McAdam Barry in 1888 and took the additional name of Barry by royal licence, 12 January 1889. As a young man, he travelled widely, visiting Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Ceylon, Burma, Java, the South Sea Islands, and Egypt. JP and DL for Co. Cork; High Sheriff of Co. Cork, 1910-11. An officer in the Limerick City Artillery (2nd Lt., 1894; Lt. 1894; retired 1897) and served in First World War (Lt., 1914; Inspector of Quatermaster General's Services, 1916, with the rank of Major); appointed OBE, 1919. He married, 3 October 1906 at Anlaby (Yorks ER), Judith Isabel (1886-1946), only daughter of William Ringrose Ringrose-Voase JP of Anlaby House, and had issue:
(1) Nesta Anne Bury-Barry (1909-2004), born 22 October 1909; married, 20 April 1932 at Cranleigh (Surrey), Maj. Robert Edward Barclay (1906-59), managing director of Barclay Perkins & Co., brewers, 1950-55, eldest son of Lt-Col. Robert Wyvill Barclay of Bury Hill, Dorking (Surrey) and had issue two daughters; died 5 May 2004; will proved 13 September 2004;
(2) Felicity Bury-Barry (1913-48), born 29 January and baptised at Holy Trinity, Chelsea, 22 February 1913; married, 17 November 1939, Brig. John Ormsby Evelyn Vandeleur DSO (1903-88), only son of Lt-Col. Crofton Bury Vandeleur DSO, but had no issue; died 28 April 1948 and was buried at Elvington, where she is commemorated by a monument carved by Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson.
He inherited Ballyclough from his great-uncle in 1888 and was living there in 1911, but at the time of the Irish war of independence he moved to England and bought Redhurst, Cranleigh (Surrey). His wife inherited Elvington Hall (Yorks) in 1935 and they lived there until her death. Elvington was sold in 1957 and he lived subsequently at Logmore Green, Westcott, Dorking (Surrey) on his son-in-law's estate.
He died 12 September 1963; his will was proved 5 March 1964 (estate £37,679). His wife died 12 October 1946; will proved 7 February 1947 (estate in England £51,759 and in Northern Ireland, £562).

Principal sources

Burke's Landed Gentry of Ireland, 1958, pp. 57-58; M. Bence-Jones, A guide to Irish country houses, 2nd edn., 1990, pp. 20, 187; Sir N. Pevsner & D. Neave, The buildings of England: Yorkshire - York and the East Riding, 2nd edn., 1995, p. 405; E.M. Johnson-Liik, History of the Irish Parliament, 1692-1800, 2002, vol. 3, pp. 139-43; F. Keohane, The buildings of Ireland: Cork - city and county, 2020, pp. 551-52.

Location of archives

No significant accumulation is known to survive.

Coat of arms

Quarterly, 1st and 4th, Barry of six argent and gules; 2nd and 3rd, vert a cross-crosslet or, in chief a crescent argent for difference.

Can you help?

• Can anyone provide more information about Ballyclough in the 20th century, and in particular any evidence of whether the house was burnt in 1920 as is sometimes claimed?
• Can anyone provide fuller information about the ownership history of Lisnagar in the 20th century?
• Does anyone know more about the training or careers of Col. James Barry's two sons by his second marriage, who are said both to have been physicians?
• Can anyone provide more information about Henry Murray Simpson (c.1826-88), who married Elizabeth Phoebe Barry in 1849? His marriage certificate calls him simply 'Murray Simpson' and gives his occupation as 'steward'. His father is there said also to be 'Murray Simpson', occupation 'butler'. The 1881 census calls him 'Henry M. Simpson' and says he was formerly in the merchant navy, which seems consistent with this. However, other censuses describe him as 'gentleman' or 'fundholder'. All censuses agree he was born in Edinburgh or Scotland. A newspaper report of his son's death says his father was 'the Rev. Douglas Murray Simpson', but no such person can be identified. The Rev. Donald Murray Simpson, who stayed at Henry's house in Cheltenham in 1862, was perhaps his brother, and can be identified as the minister of Acharacle. 
• I should be most grateful if anyone can provide photographs or portraits of people whose names appear in bold above, and who are not already illustrated.
• As always, any additions or corrections to the account given above will be gratefully received and incorporated.

Revision and acknowledgements

This post was first published 20 April and was updated 23 April 2020.