Butler dynasty

House Butler
Noble House
Country	Duchy of Normandy Lordship of Ireland
Estates	Earldom of Ormonde, Earldom of Ossary, Various Manorial Lordships
Titles	Various
Style(s)	Earls, Barons, and Knights
Founder	Theobald Walter, 1st Chief Butler of Ireland
Ethnicity	Norman

The House Butler refers to the several branches of the Butler family (Irish: de Buitléir) that has its origins in the Hiberno-Norman or Cambro-Norman family that participated in the Norman invasion of Ireland in the 12th century. Variant spellings include le Boteler and le Botiller. The surname has its origins in the hereditary office of Butler of Ireland. The family originates with Theobald Walter, 1st Chief Butler of Ireland. Many of the branches eventually begin to extend out to various countries in Europe and North America as many descendants immigrated out of Ireland and England in later years.

Originally the family surname was Walter and thus, House Butler originated from Theobald Walter (sometimes Theobald FitzWalter, Theobald Butler, or Theobald Walter le Boteler) was the first Chief Butler of Ireland. He also held the office of Chief Butler of England and was the High Sheriff of Lancashire for 1194. He was involved in the Irish campaigns of King Henry II of England and John of England. His eldest brother Hubert Walter became the Archbishop of Canterbury and Justiciar and Lord Chancellor of England. During the reign of Henry II of England, Theobald Walter (d.1205) held the position of pincerna (Latin) or "boteillier" (Norman French) 'butler', ceremonial cup-bearer to Prince John, Lord of Ireland.

This is the senior branch of the family and later produced, Earls, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormond. The family seat, since 1391, was Kilkenny Castle. Prior to that, the main stronghold was Gowran Castle. From their position in Kilkenny, they were able to control the surrounding Gaelic kingdoms of Ormond, Éile, Ikerrin and part of Osraige. Members of the Butler family lived in Kilkenny Castle until 1935.

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Wikipedia