Genealogy of the Anglo-Norman Lynches: who settled in Galway

The pedigrees of the Anglo-Norman Lynches who settled in Galway are mostly derived from the descendants of James and William, the sons of Thomas Lynch, the first Provost of Galway in 1274. The progression of the family in Ireland was emphasised by the appointment of more than eighty mayors of Galway named Lynch between 1485 and 1654. When James I bestowed a baronetcy on Henry Lynch, a rich merchant, in 1622 their elevated status was confirmed. However, political controversy intervened when Henry Lynch, 3rd Bt, was attainted of high treason following the defeat of James II at the Battle of the Boyne. Personal controversy followed with the liaison of Henry Lynch-Blosse, 7th Bt with the alluring Sibella Cottle which scandalized the community. The story has been outlined by the author in his historical novel, "Spellbound by Sibella." The Lynch-Blosses continued to serve in Ireland until the purchase of their estate of 18,566 acres by the Congested District’s Board in 1909 for £154,000. Thereafter, the family settled in Wales and later in England. The current incumbent is Richard Hely Lynch-Blosse, 17th Bt, a general practitioner in Oxfordshire. The Anglo-Norman Lynches who settled in Galway have been connected to famous people and events including the Bodkin massacre, Che Guevara, James II, Richard ‘Humanity Dick’ Martin MP, Grace O’Malley, Patrick Sarsfield and Bram Stoker. These connections are illustrated in pedigree charts derived from a BrothersKeeper.com database of 2843 individuals. The database also includes members of the extended family of the author.