Arms
of Morgan of Llangattock
WELSH MORGANS of IRELAND (?) (update 4/13/08)
[Are the Majority of Morgan in Ireland of Welsh Origin? I have found little evidence has support this.]
Morgan as a Welsh surname:
The Welsh elite unlike the Irish and Normans did not start taking surnames until the fifteenth. While the common people did not have surname until the late 1700s and early 1800s.
[sources 'Between Mountain And Marsh' by Anthony Pickford (1946) & “Welsh Names and Surnames” by J. B. Davies”]
Tudor Morgans
Henry (VII) Tudor a Welshman became King of England in 1485. In doing so he brings Welsh nobles into power within the English Tudor government. However the only reference to Welsh Morgans of the Tudor period in Ireland are as professional soldiers with no record that I have found of them settling within Ireland.
Welsh Fighting Men in Ireland
Sir William Morgan of Langston (branch of Tredegar) served with Sir Walter Raleigh in putting down the Desmond rebellion in Munster. He was made Governor of Waterford and Cork and died without issue in 1584. (The male line of Morgan of Langston died out prior to 1663.) (Source: "Archaeologia Cambrensis" by Cambrian Archaeological Association, Donald Moore, Thomas Rowland Powel)
Edward Morgan of Pencarn, Glamorgan, severed briefly in Ireland 1574 before return to England; dying at New Fulham in 1595 (or d.1585).
Sir Matthew Morgan knight (b.1563), third son of Edward Morgan (d.1585) of Pencarn (Glamorgan). Nephew to Sir Thomas Morgan of Pencarn, and a veteran of the Low Countries is recorded serving in Ireland from 1599 to 1601. When bankrupt in 1602 (source: "Elizabethan Government and Society: Essays Presented to Sir John Neale" by University of London, Stanley Thomas Bindoff) and 1604 received a pension from James I (source: The National Archives; http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.asp?compid=14994)
Capt Edmond Morgan knight of Penhowe appears to traveled to Ireland with his regiment (the Second Regiment) with 150 men at his command under Sir Henry Dockwra. One of the two regiments that Lord Essex brought from the Low Countries to put down the Irish rebellion. He was the second son of Henry Morgan of Llanduff and Penllywn-Sarth. Member of Parliament for Wilton Oct-Dec 1601 and County Monmouth 1621-2.
(Sources include: "The Parliamentary History of the Principality of Wales, from the Earliest Times to the Present ..."
Stuart Morgans
This era is marked by turbulence of the War of the Three Kingdoms (English Civil War) and the beginning of a new land holding gentry; whose descendants will claim Welsh origins.
Morgans of Monastereven (County Kildare)
Morgans of Monastereven, Co Kildare; are claimed by George Blacker Morgan who lived in nineteenth century as descending from a Robert Morgan son of Sir Edward Morgan baronet of Llantarnam, Monmouthshire. The is also mention of Roberts brother also Griffith.
(source: Notes and Queries: A Medium of Intercommunication for Literary Men, General Readers, Etc By William John Thomas, Doran (John), Henry Frederick Turle, Joseph Knight, Vernon Horace Rendall, Florence Hayllar)
To quote from George Blacker Morgan own notes (concerns) "Sir Edward Morgan mentions the following sons in his will: (1) Edward, the eldest, then, (1650) under the age-of one-and-twenty, who succeded him; (2) William; (3) James (who succeed his nephew as fourth baronet in 168, and at whose death the baronetcy became extinict; and (4) Henry. There is no mention of Robert Morgan's family."
From: "Notes and Queries" by Martim de Albuquerque Published 1849 p.333:
"Irish claim to Welsh baronetcy of Morgan.— There were two baronetcies of Morgan ( 1) Llangattwg ; (2) Llantarnam. A note in G.E.C.‘s ‘Complete Baronetage‘ shows that a claim was preferred by the Morgans of Monastnerevan. This claim, put forward by that industrious genealogist, G. Blacker Morgan, apparently rests on two eighteenth-century letters, which do not appear to me to be genuine, and on tradition of no very ancient date..."
Morgans of Moyreen {Monymoyhill or Gortadroma} (County Limerick)
In 1726 Moyreen was leased by Robert Morgan of Connegarr and in 1731 James and John Morgan appear on the deed. A note to the text says "... family of Morgan, now of the Old Abbey ... claim descent from Sir Edward Morgan of Llantarnam, Wales" with reference to JRSIA, vol xxxiv, p.50. (see below) (source: "Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy" by Royal Irish Academy)
In 1736 Robert Morgan of Callow leased land of Ballywogan (in parish of Rathronan, barony of Shanid) to Ric Stepthenson (source: "Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy" by Royal Irish Academy).
Morgans of Old Abbey, (County Limerick)
The 1775 deed for Old Abbey has James and John Morgan. While George Morgan inherits Old Abbey at the death of his cousin George Hodges in 1788 (source: JRSIA, vol xxxiv, p.50).
George Morgan (1772-1816) of Old Abbey and Foynes Island is the eldest son of John Morgan of Dunmoylan. The family coat of arms is 'Or a gryphon segreant sable' with a gryphon segreant crest and the motto "Manus haec inimica tyrnnis" (source: "Visitation of Ireland" by Joseph Jackson Howard).
[The pedigree of the Morgan of Old Abbey is found in "Visitation of Ireland" Ed by Joseph Jackson Howard, 1897. It starts with John Morgan of Dunmoylan]
[Families of Hodges and Morgan of Old Abbey" appears in 'The Irish Ancestor Vol 11, 1972 no. 2. (Also I believe in JRSAI vol. xxxiv, 1904, Series V, Vol. xiv. (Kilkenny Historic Society's journal).]
Morgans of Dunmoylan, (County Limerick)
From "The Irish Book Lover ... " by John S Crone, Seamus O'Cassidy, Colm O'Laughlin:
"THE Irish MORGANS. Professor Wardell, the Abbey, Shanagolden, Co. Limerick (late of Trinity College, Dublin) is collecting materials for a history of the name "Morgan" in Ireland. At present he is particularly interested in the families of that name resident, or formerly resident, in the counties of Galway, Kerry and Limerick, such as the Morgans of Kilcolgan Castle and Monksfield, Co. Galway, and the Morgans of Moyreen and Dunmoylan Court., Co. Limerick. Details of tie ancestry and further career of the following persons are earnestly requested: The Rev. John Morgan, MA, Percenter of Ardfert Cathedral, September, 1680; resigned or died 1698. In Chancery Suit May-November, 1696, Dublin, is styled Sir John Morgan, Bart, and Clerk, was Vicar of ten parishes in Co. Kerry, including Aghavallin. In June, 1694, was on urgent business in England. In the course of his researches Prof. Wardell has discovered that macnamara Morgan, the dramatist, of whom D.N.B gives a meager sketch, was a younger son of the family seated at Kilcolgan Castle, and adds that he was educacted a T.C.D. and the Inner Temple, and was one of the founders of The Friendly Brothers’ Club in Dublin. E.F.S"
From: "Notes and Queries" by Martim de Albuquerque Published 1849 p.333:
"Irish claim to Welsh baronetcy of Morgan.— There were two baronetcies of Morgan ( 1) Llangattwg ; (2) Llantarnam. A note in G.E.C.‘s ‘Complete Baronetage‘ shows that a claim was preferred by the Morgans of Monastnerevan. This claim, put forward by that industrious genealogist, G. Blacker Morgan, apparently rests on two eighteenth-century letters, which do not appear to me to be genuine, and on tradition of no very ancient date.
A traditional descent from one of the baronetical lines of Tredegar was long maintained by the family of Morgan of Donmoylan, co. Limerick. The Chancery Bills and Answers PRO I, show that the claim was first heard of in 1679, when the Rev. Precentor John Morgan, MA, obtained leave of absence five days subsequent to the death of Sir Thomas Morgan, then Governor of Jersey.
This John Morgan continued to style himself “ Baronet “ in various legal documents up to the year 1697, in which year he disappears from the records, having been deprived of his livings on account of absence. He was son of the Rev. Gryffyth or Geoffrey Morgan, Rector of Bangor in Cardigan; was born 1637/8 at Bangor; entered Trinity College in 1657, and was Vicar of Tulleybrackey, co. Limerick, 1666. He is said to have married Sarah Crosbie of the Ardfert family, and to have been ancestor of the family of Morgan of Dunmoylan and Old Abbey, Co. Limerick.
Edward Morgan, Archdeacon (1669—70) and formerly (1664) Treasurer of Ardfert was probably a brother to John Morgan, the Precentor. His son the Rev. Robert Morgan, educated the Rev. William Morgan, grandson of the Precentor. Edward Morgan was Rector of Castleisland, the presentation to which was in the hands of the Herberts, a family which had intermarried at least three times with the Morgans of Tredegar, Llangattwg, and Rhiwbina. Edward Morgan died about 1674—5 and in 1674 John Morgan is given all the Stoughton livings in Co. Kerry, and becomes Trustee with the Earl of Inchiquin to the Stoughton estates. His grandson, Lieut. Edward Morgan is ancestor of the Old Abbey family.
Any information as to the ancestry and connections of these clergymen will be much appreciated. The Herberts overhauled their seignory of Castleisland in 1656 and it is probable that Edward Morgan was then settled there and brought over his brother in 1657. JOHN WARDELL."
From "Notes and Queries" by Martim de Albuquerque:
"MORGAN BARONETCIES. — (1) John Morgan after 1679 styled " Sir John Morgan, Baronet.,” once styled in proceedings of Ecclesiastical Court “Miles,” probably, almost certainly, identical with John Morgan who, born 1638, son of Rev. Gryffyth Morgan of Bangor, Cadigan, entered Trin. Coll., Dublin, 1657 ; prebendary of Tullybrackey, co. Limerick, 1666; rector of many parishes in Kerry; trustee with Earl of Thomond to the Stoughton Estates, 1672; Chantor of Ardfest, &c., forfeited all livings by reason of absence, 1696-7; appears in several Chancery proceedings in Ireland, and frequently absent on leave abroad or in England. The PRO Records, Ireland, have been pretty thoroughly searched.
His leave of absence in 1679 dates a few days after the death of Sir Thomas Morgan, Bt., of Llangattrch, and Governor of Jersey. He first appears in Kerry, 1674, and is styled of Killarney, which may be Killary of which Edward Morgan was rector, 1664. (2) Edward Morgan, Archdeacon of Ardfert, 1670; died or retired about 1675—6 ; first appears as Rector of Castleisland and other Kenny parishes, 1664. His son Robert was a rector in Tipperary. He probably was brother to the Chantor above mentioned. The Kerry livings held by EM were in gift of the Herberts, who were connected with Llantamaw and Llangattrch Morgans in- Wales. The descendants of these clergymen have always claimed a descent from Welsh baronets of the name. It is possible that the Rev. John Morgan claimed the title of a cousin. In 1658 Richard Cromwell is said to have knighted a John Morgan.- This is possibly an error for Sir Thomas Morgan who received a Cromwellian knighthood for the victory of the Danes and subsequently a Caroline baronetcy.
Claims to a descent from the Llantamaw baronetcy were put of Monastuerau, co. Kildare, in a pedigree published by Gee. Blacker Morgan in 1884 .; But no descent could be shown beyond middle of the eighteenth century.. Could this family of Kerry Morgans be anything to the Morgan-Williams who were ancestors of Oliver Cromwell ? There is an old peasant tradition which calls them. near friends, ie, relatives of Cromwell. Trinity College, Dublin. JOHN WARDELL."
Morgans of Cottlestown (County Sligo) and later Cork Abbey (County Wicklow)
Capt Robert Morgan in the Cromwellian Settlement gained the O'Dowd lands of Cottlestown in Castleconnor in 1653; (building Castletown house). He command a Troope of horse in Col. Richard Cootes Regiment of Horse (source: "History of Sligo, County and Town" by William Gregory Wood-Martin).
From "Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain and Ireland" by Sir Bernard Burke: Family of Morgan of Cottestown. A branch of the ancient Welsh family of MORGAN of Tredegar was settled at Comerton, in Worcestershire, in the reign of HENRY VIII. Of this family was Sir Thomas, Knt. of Langston, who distinguished himself in Flanders, and was father of Sir William Morgan and of Robert Morgan of Cottlestown co. Sligo, who came to Ireland, temp. Charles I..."
"An Alphabetical Dictionary of Coats of Arms Belonging to Families in Great Britain and Ireland" by John Woody Papworth; identifies Robert Morgan as a younger son of Sir Thomas Morgan of Langston. The arms given for the Morgan of Cottelstown is 'Or a griffin segreant sa'.
There is no Sir Thomas, Knt. of Langston at this time. It was Sir Thomas Morgan, Bt., of Llangattrech who distinguished himself in Flanders.
Checking the Facts
Did Sir Edward Morgan baronet of Llantarnam, having son of Roberts brother also Griffith? The nineteenth century author George Blacker Morgan could find no proof; nor did Prof John Wardell. Neither did I.
Did Sir Thomas Morgan, Bt., of Llangattrech and Governor of Jersey, having a son John. The answer is yes, he lived at his manor house in Kinnerfley, Heredfordshire with no mention of him ever being in Ireland.
Interestingly in "A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Extinct and Dormant Baronetcies of England" by John Burke about published (1838); these are the only extinct Morgan families mentioned, Llantarnam extinct in 1681 and Llangattrech in 1767.
Use of coat of arms shows some confusion over arms for 'Or a griffin segreant sa' is from Llantarnam not Llangattock.
Arms of Morgan of
Llantarnam
Arms
of Morgan of Llangattock
[Where these 'Welsh' Morgans appear as landowners there also local Morgans with local Irish origins.]
Other Morgans considered
Morgans of Kilcolgan Castle (County Galway) and later Monksfield (County Galway)
Descended from Capt John Morgan who in 1662 gained Kilcolgan Castle at the expense of the Marchioness of Clanricarde. The family later sold it and moved to Monksfield in south Galway and the line died out in 1842.
From 'The Irish chieftains; or, A struggle for the crown' by Charles ffrench Blake- Forster: "deriving their pedigree from Murchudd Ap Cynan, founder of the eight noble tribe of North Wales and Powys." This would suggest a possible claim of descent from the Morgan of Gold Grove who also claim descent from the 9th century Welsh prince (Marchudd Ap Cynan).
Col Anthony Morgan, MP for Kildare and Wickow
Sir Anthony Morgan (1621-68) came to Ireland in 1649 (S: Ireland Under the Commonwealth: Being a Selection of Documents Relating to the Government of ... By Robert Dunlop). He was the (Dictionary of National Biography By LESLIE. STEPHEN, 1894) In 1663 he was the Lieutenant-Governor of Jamaica had one one daughter (source "Sir Henry Morgan the buccaneer, by the author of 'Rattlin the reefer' &c"
I am still looking proof of large number of Welsh Morgans settling in Ireland, though I still yet to find such proof.
The last best hope to find real sizable Welsh or English Morgans is with the Morgans of Barony of Gaultiere, county Waterford. The Morgans of Waterford origins is still a work in progress and their origins my lie with the Oversea Archives and a 1689 deposition taken in Spain with genealogy back to 1397 and a coat of Arms..