Sir Bernard Burke: The Legacy of the Ulster King of Arms
Sir John Bernard Burke was a towering figure in the fields of genealogy (the study of family lineages) and heraldry (the system of designing and recording coats of arms). Best known for his stewardship of the influential Burke's Peerage, he dedicated his life to documenting the ancestral histories of the British and Irish aristocracy.
Born in London on January 5, 1814, to a father of Irish descent, Burke was educated in both London and France. His path was heavily influenced by his father, John Burke, a notable genealogist who first published the Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of the Peerage and Baronetage of the United Kingdom in 1826. This seminal work eventually evolved into the annual publication known as Burke's Peerage starting in 1847.
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Professional Ascent and Public Office
While practicing as a barrister, Bernard Burke collaborated closely with his father. He assisted in the creation of The Royal Families of England, Scotland, and Wales, with their Descendants &c., a two-volume set published posthumously in 1848 and 1851. Following his father's death, Bernard took full control of the family's genealogical publications.
His expertise led to several prestigious appointments. In 1853, he was appointed Ulster King of Arms, a high-ranking heraldic officer. His contributions were further recognized in 1854 when he was knighted, and in 1855 when he became the Keeper of the State Papers in Ireland.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Sir John Bernard Burke, CB.
- Lifespan: January 5, 1814 – December 12, 1892.
- Primary Office: Ulster King of Arms (1853–1892).
- Major Work: Editor and publisher of Burke's Peerage and Burke's Landed Gentry.
- Family Legacy: His son, Sir Henry Farnham Burke, later became the Garter Principal King of Arms.
Literary Contributions and Works
Sir Bernard was a prolific author and editor. Beyond the annual updates to Burke's Peerage and the companion volume Burke's Landed Gentry, he published critical reference works for historians, including the Encyclopaedia of Heraldry, or General Armory of England, Scotland and Ireland (1878, enlarged in 1883).
Notable Publications
- The Roll of Battle Abbey (1848)
- A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain (1852)
- The Romance of the Aristocracy and The Romance of the Forum (1855)
- The Rise of Great Families (1882) and Vicissitudes of Families (1883)
- A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Colonial Gentry (1891)
Heraldic Symbolism
The arms of Sir Bernard Burke were inspired by the House of de Burgh. His escutcheon (shield) featured a gold background with a red cross, containing a black lion in the first and fourth quarters. His crest depicted a cat-a-mountain (a wildcat) sitting and facing forward, wearing a gold collar and chain with a gold cross on its breast.
His motto, "Ung Roy, Ung Foy, Ung Loy", translates to "One king, one faith, one law."
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Role | Ulster King of Arms |
| Tenure | 1853–1892 |
| Monarch | Queen Victoria |
| Predecessor | Sir William Betham |
| Successor | Arthur Vicars |
| Key Legacy | Burke's Peerage |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sir Bernard Burke's primary role?
Sir Bernard Burke served as the Ulster King of Arms from 1853 until his death in 1892, and he was a renowned British genealogist.
What is Burke's Peerage?
It is a famous genealogical and heraldic dictionary of the peerage and baronetage of the United Kingdom, originally produced by Bernard's father in 1826 and later edited and expanded by Sir Bernard.
Did other family members follow in his footsteps?
Yes, his son Sir Henry Farnham Burke also pursued heraldry and eventually attained the office of Garter Principal King of Arms, while his fourth son, Ashworth Peter Burke, succeeded him as editor of Burke's Peerage and Landed Gentry.
What was the meaning of his family motto?
His motto, "Ung Roy, Ung Foy, Ung Loy," means "One king, one faith, one law."
Where was Sir Bernard Burke born and where did he die?
He was born in London in 1814 and passed away in Dublin in 1892 at the age of 78.