Tottenham Heaphy born into gentry between 1720 and 1725, is the son of Daniel Heaphy Esq[1] (b. 1689) and Rachel Blennerhassett[2] (b. 1696). Daniel and Rachel, married on the 01 October 1715, St. Johns, COI, Limerick, and the couple had five sons and three daughters, recorded up to 1733.[3]

The name Tottenham is very possibly derived from an earlier marriage connection between Heaphy and Tottenham or Atkin families of Wexford/Waterford, from around the 1660s. This line is still under research, however in the will of Edward Tottenham[4] (1659 – 1712) dated 03 Dec 1712, Edward mentions, his cousin, John Heaphy, son of Daniel Heaphy.  

Tottenham Heaphy along with three of his brothers[5] joined the Ligonier's Troop of Horse[6], which at that time was a dashing regiment in Europe.  The four brothers volunteered to Germany, where they assisted in rescuing King George II at the battle of Dettingen, 1743 (Limerick Leader 1952). In 1689, recorded under the Regiments of Infantry of King James’s Irish Jacobite Army[7] is Lieutenant John Heaphy of Waterford, who was one of fifty leading Jacobites outlawed following the signing of the Limerick Treaty, however he was pardoned in 1693, (Old Waterford Society, 1978) and is very possibly, the grandfather of Tottenham, who later would join the same regiment under its newer name, Ligonier’s Troop of Horse.

Handsomely rewarded for his deeds in Dettingen, Tottenham returned to Ireland, making his debut on the stage, in Dublin at the Chapel Street Theatre as Hotspur, on December 5, 1749 (Lady of the House, Dublin, 15 May 1909). However, an earlier record from Robert Hitchcock[8], British actor and dramatist, stated that "Heaphy first went on stage, at Chapel Street, after the peace in 1748." It was during his time on the Dublin stage, that he met and married Alice Mason, (1736 - 1809) also an actress who has recorded stage appearances since 1746, at Chapel Street, Dublin. Alice Heaphy had a long career as a comic actress. Tottenham and Alice married around Feb/March 1757 (Ref: Esther K. Sheldon, Thomas Sheridan, of Smock Alley), with their first daughter, Mary Heaphy, born in 1757.  The family lived between Cork, Limerick, Dublin, and later spent time in Edinburgh, when Tottenham was theatre manager there. 

During his time on stage, both Tottenham and his wife performed numerous roles, through the Smock Alley Company and there are far too many to mention here, but to give a taste, the following are some examples:

1762 Theatre, Smock Alley, The MOURNING BRIDE, a tragedy, for the benefit of Mr. HEAPHY. King, performed by Mr. Heaphy. Tickets to be had of Mr. Heaphy, at his lodgings at Mr. Spark’s, in Anglesey, Street (Dublin Theatre, 1762).

1775 Theatre Royal, Smock Alley. THE RIVALS, a comedy. Mrs. Malaprop performed by Mrs. Heaphy (Saunders Newsletter, 22 November 1775).

1776 Theatre Royal, Smock Alley. LIONEL and CLARISSA. Sir John Flowerdale performed by Mr. Heaphy. Lady Mary Oldboy performed by Mrs. Heaphy (Saunders Newsletter 06 March 1776).

1776 Theatre Royal, Smock Alley. The DEVIL to PAY. Lady Loverule performed by Mrs. Heaphy (Saunders Newsletter 06 March 1776).

Tottenham and his wife were also joined on stage by their daughter, Mary Heaphy, a celebrated actress on the Limerick, Dublin and London stages, along with Mary’s husband, actor and playwright, John O’Keeffe. More roles by the Heaphy members can be read in “The Pre-Victorian Drama in Dublin” by Rev. S. C. Hughes, 1904, Hodges & Figgis, & Co.

Tottenham rose to become theatre manager for theatres in Cork and Edinburgh, but an opportunity would arise, that would increase Heaphy’s influence on the Irish stage. Following the great sieges of Limerick in 1690/91 and the signing of the treaty, the city was growing to be the third most prominent city in Ireland, after Dublin and Belfast. A theatre space was created called St. Peter’s Cell, which was previously an Augustinian nunnery.  Many touring troupes from Britain would play the Irish stages, and soon after, Dublin troupes would tour Ireland for seasonal performances. St. Peter’s Cell became a popular venue for the Smock Alley Company from Dublin, which led to the development of the space, which only brought more troupes, like the Dublin’s Crowe Theatre Royal Company.  Limerick city grew to be an attractive venue where peaches were served as refreshments in comparison to the traditional oranges in Dublin and London (The Old Limerick Journal Winter Edition 2018).

In the 1760s, Henry Mossop[9] (1728 – 1774), actor, took over the Smock Alley Theatre and moved the touring troupe to Limerick city, in which he had great plans to improve St. Peter’s Cell to provide more superior stage facilities for the city.  Unfortunately, Mossop ran into financial difficulties and sold his rights for the stage shows to Tottenham Heaphy in 1769/1770.

Perhaps this was the moment, Heaphy had been waiting for.  He proved himself to be quite entrepreneurial, and he decided it was time for a purpose-built theatre for the city of Limerick.  Tottenham, through his high-ranking family connections raised over £600 in subscriptions, made up of twenty-four subscribers of £25 each, for a silver transferrable admission ticket valid indefinitely (The Limerick Stage 1736 – 1800, William Smith Clark). 

Heaphy proceeded to build on the corner of Cornwallis Street[10] and Playhouse Lane, and opened in the summer of 1770, a new theatre, named the Theatre Royal. This led to the decline of St. Peter’s Cell, however, Tottenham capitalised on this, with the Theatre Royal drawing in huge crowds.  Tottenham had tremendous success and as a result, he attempted to move the theatre to a more upmarket area of the city.  Tottenham had published in the Limerick Chronicle on the 3 March 1774, his intentions for improving the quality of theatre in Limerick, as many had complained the location of the theatre in its current location was not suitable. Its move was to be next to the new Assembly House at Charlotte Quay.  Existing subscribers of the current Theatre Royal, supported Heaphy on this move and that it would benefit the city overall. It is unclear as to why Heaphy did not push forward with the construction of the new theatre, despite land being donated by Thomas Smyth, one of the city’s civic leaders (The Old Limerick Journal Winter Edition 2018). Heaphy did not follow through on his dream and the project collapsed.

Life as theatre manager, was challenging, if not stressful, to say the least, with Tottenham having to deal with everything from counterfeit tickets, public condemning of actors, patrons insisting on entering backstage areas, to ensuring theatres were kept “decent” and safe for patrons. On one occasion in October of 1771, the performance of “The West Indian” for the benefit of his wife, Mrs. Heaphy, Tottenham encouraged the public to attend by publishing an empathic assurance that the “upmost care will be taken to have the Avenues leading to the Theatre sufficiently cleaned and lighted” (The Limerick Stage 1736 – 1800).

Heaphy’s troupe moved between Cork and Limerick over the summers with many acclaimed national, local, and English actors, including Dublin comedian, Isaac Sparks and English actor, West Dudley Digges[11], whom Heaphy developed a long-time friendship, often visiting him in England. On one occasion, in 1761, a Duel was fought between Henry Mossop and Dudley Digges, with Tottenham Heaphy second for Digges. However, the Duel ended rather well, with a slight injury to Mossop (Oxford Journal, 28 March 1761).

Tottenham’s reign of the Limerick theatre came to an end in 1781, when Richard Daly, actor, took the reins of management of the Smock Alley, Dublin and leased out the Limerick theatre from Tottenham (The Limerick Stage 1736 – 1800). Tragedy struck and the Theatre Royal was destroyed by fire in 1818. What remains today is a plague on Upper Denmark Street, that recalls the Heaphy theatre where performances took place from 1770 to 1818.

Following the take over by Daly, there might have been some friction between the two men, where it is reported that Tottenham was setting up in competition to Daly in Dublin as follows: 

[Newspaper - Dublin] 1781. "There is likely to be a very formidable contest two theatres at Dublin, during the ensuing season, for Mr. Heaphy, who was formally manager with Ryder there, is now in London raising recruits for the standard, which he means to set up in opposition to Mr. Daly, the other manager, and as he is known to be a man of ability as well as of experience in this profession, it is supported he will be a powerful competitor." 

Tottenham’s son in law, the prolific playwright, John O’Keeffe, in his own book, “Recollections of a Life” has written:

"Mr. Tottenham Heaphy afterwards quitted the army, and became manager of Cork and Limerick theatres, which he built by his influence of raising the requisite subscriptions, being himself nearly related to the first families of rank and opulence in the counties of Cork and Limerick"

Tottenham was certainly well connected through both his parents, with stronger known connections through his mother, the Blennerhassett line. For example, he was a cousin to Arthur Blennerhassett and Sir Rowland Blennerhassett (1740 – 1821), 1st Baronet of Blennerville, Co Kerry. A registry of deeds memorial[12] exists between Sir Rowland Blennerhassett and Tottenham Heaphy, dated 12 March 1770, for an agreement of land, in Co. Kerry, showing that Tottenham had other business interests besides the stage.

Many of Heaphy’s connections are known through family genealogies, however, we gain valuable and more personal insights from John O’Keeffe, through his writings, especially “Recollections of Life” which was published in 1826. O’Keeffe, himself, went on to achieve great success, enjoying the patronage of King George III and between 1778 and 1798, 57 of his plays were staged in London (Historyireland.com).  

O’Keeffe mentions Mrs. Lloyd, of Limerick, a widow-lady of fortune being a relation to Mr. Heaphy. This connection originates from the marriage between Christina Blennerhassett[13] and Thomas Lloyd (1703 – 1791). Mrs. Jeffereyes, or Arbella Fitzgibbon Jeffereyes, sister of John Fitzgibbon, 1st Earl of Clare, is a relation of Mr. Heaphy, and strong supporter of the arts, wife of James St. John Jeffereyes (1734 – 1780) of Blarney Castle.  Tottenham’s grandniece, Lucinda Heaphy (1778 – 1848) would marry Hamilton White in 1802, brother to Richard White, 1st Earl of Bantry.

The role played by Tottenham Heaphy in Irish Theatre at the time was influential and he was designated with the title "Father of the Irish Stage" (The Dublin University Magazine, 1855).  He collaborated with Mr Jeffereyes of Blarney Castle[14] and others to establish a new theatre in Dublin through subscriptions, like Tottenham had done in Limerick. A spot was selected on the right-hand side of College Green, however some of the participants doubted the success of the project and pulled out, resulting in the project being dropped (Recollections of Life, O’Keeffe, 1826).

Tottenham’s reputation led him to being appointed the attorney for Thomas Ryder (1735 – 1791)[15] in an Articles of Agreement between Thomas Ryder and Spranger Barry (1719 – 1777)[16] on the 07 May 1776, London.  The agreement was for the theatre in Crow Street, Dublin and Thomas Ryder appointed Tottenham Heaphy as his true and lawful attorney, giving him power of attorney in dealings with Spranger Barry concerning yearly ground rent, including all sets, machines, furniture, outbuildings, cellars, and a long list of assets[17].

Tottenham and Alice Heaphy had three known children:

1 Mary Heaphy (1757 - 1813), celebrated actress, who married, fellow actor and dramatist, John O'Keeffe (1747 - 1833) on the 01 October 1774, a catholic, in Irishtown, Limerick City. The couple divorced and Mary married Scottish actor, George Graham. Mary is described in a literature review in the Hampshire Advertiser and Salisbury Guardian in 1834: “she was young, and most beautiful, tall and finely shaped, and at the time the universally acknowledged graceful, elegant, and perfect resemblance of Juliet, Desdemona, Momimia, Isabella, Belvidera, etc”

Children: John Tottenham O’Keeffe (1775-1805, Reverend/Chaplin to the Duke of Clarence), Adelaide O'Keeffe (1776 – 1865, author and children's poet) and Gerald O'Keeffe (1777 – 1777)

2 Gerald Blennerhassett Heaphy, Lieutenant. Referenced: 1783, British Army Lists & Commissions Registers 1661 – 1826. Died before 1823, in Martinique, Lieutenant of the 32nd Regiment. 

3 Rachel Elizabeth Heaphy (1771 – 1846). Married Rev. George Alley (1770 – 1842), of Moymett, Rectory, Trim, with their line continued on the Hill of the Ward, Athboy, Co. Meath.

Children: Tottenham Alley (1796 – 1864, married Frances Jane Sparrow), Arabella Sarah Alley (1798 – 1870), Rachel Alley (b.1802, married John Grimsey Dawson), Anne Alley (b.1804), William Henry Alley (b.1805), Emelia Alley (b.1805), Catherine Alley (b.1810) and Frederick Augustus Alley (b. 1811, married Julia Catherine Sparrow. Ordained Rev. by the Lord Bishop of Ferns in 1833).

Alice (Mason) Heaphy, died on the 21 March 1809, Dublin and Tottenham Heaphy died on the 22 April 1801, Dublin. Will dated 1801[18].  The following is reported in the Limerick Chronical, February 14 1801: 

“To be let, formerly held by Tottenham Heaphy, 17 acres near Riddlestown, 2 miles from Rathkeale”

In February of 1847, an equity exchequer matter between Michael Lloyd Apjohn, petitioner, and the Waterford and Limerick Railway Company, where £1,400 was lodged by the Waterford and Limerick Railway Company for the making and maintaining of a railway from the city of Waterford to the city of Limerick.  A second credit was lodged for all persons who had an interest in the parcels of land affected. There was an amount to be discharged in the sum of £1,000 secured by the indenture of mortgage in the petition mentioned and payable to Tottenham Alley Esq, grandson of Tottenham Heaphy Esq and administrator of his estate (Limerick Chronicle 24 April 1847). This probably relates to land held by Tottenham in Limerick, however due to the destruction of documents, the will of Tottenham Heaphy of 1801 is no longer available.

What has history said of Tottenham Heaphy and his contribution to the Irish theatre? His name will live on in the annals of the Irish stage for the great contribution to the management of the Cork and Limerick theatres in addition to the opening of the first purpose-built theatre in Limerick.  He is, if not more remembered through the writings and biographies of his son in law, John O’Keeffe, husband of his daughter, actress Mary Heaphy. One could say he was adventurous, resilient, even daring in his decisions, taking risks, and used his privileged background to widen his connections for opportunities. Perhaps there is still more to be discovered on Tottenham Heaphy, the man whose legacy on the Irish stage has been engraved into history.

Tottenham Heaphy is also referenced in the following publications:

Memoirs of Charles Macklin, Comedian: With the Dramatic Characters, Manners, Anecdotes, &c. of the Age in which He Lived: Forming an History of the Stage During Almost the Whole of the Last Century. And a Chronological List of All the Parts Played by Him; 1806

Memoirs of the Life of John Philip Kemble, Esq: Including a History of the Stage, from the Time of Garrick to the Present Period, Volume 1; 1825

Recollections of the Life of John O'Keeffe, Volume 1; 1826

Limerick: Its History and Antiquities; 1884 by Maurice Lenihan

The Thespian Dictionary: Or, Dramatic Biography of the Eighteenth Century; Containing Sketches of the Lives, Productions, &c., of All the Principal Managers, Dramatists, Composers, Commentators, Actors, and Actresses, of the United Kingdom: Interspersed with Several Original Anecdotes; and Forming a Concise History of the English Stage; 1802

Tottenham Heaphy (Abt 1720 – 1801)

Soldier, Actor, Husband, Father, Theatre Manager, Entrepreneur, Attorney, Gentleman

[1] Daniel Heaphy is recorded in the "Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great Britain & Ireland" and in the "History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland" where he enjoyed the territorial possessions, or high official rank, but was uninvested in heritable honours

[2] Rachel Blennerhassett of Riddlestown House, Rathkeale, Limerick, daughter of Gerald Blennerhassett Esq and Christina Bailey (Bayley)

[3] Selections from Old Kerry Records, Historical and Genealogical, by Mary Agnes Hickey, 1872, The Blennerhassett Pedigree, Pg. 40

[4] Son of John Tottenham, of Tottenham Green, Wexford

[5] Robert Heaphy is the other known brother to have volunteered to Germany

[6] Originally assembled in 1688, by King James II, it became known as the Ligonier’s Horse in 1721

[7] Illustrations, Historical and Genealogical of King James’s Irish Army

[8] From 1781 Robert Hitchcock was resident in Dublin, along with his family who also acted, and he wrote a history of the Irish stage.

[9] Son of Rev. John Mossop

[10] Now little Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick

[11] West Dudley Digges (1725 – 1786) son of Colonel Thomas Digges and Elizabeth West, daughter of the 6th Baron De La Warr.  Digges had his first stage appearance in the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin in 1749.

[12] Registry of Deeds Memorial Number 100103

[13] Christina Blennerhassett, the sister of Rachel Blennerhassett Heaphy, mother of Tottenham

[14] Mr Jeffereyes is the brother in-law to Lord Fitzgibbon, Lord Chancellor of Ireland

[15] Thomas Ryder was an actor, singer and theatre manager, born in England, son of Preswick Ryder, actor.

[16] Barry Spranger was an Irish actor and theatre manager, son of William Barry, the wealthy silversmith and Catherine Sprainger.

[17] Articles of Agreement, reference - Memoirs of the Life of John Philip Kemble, Esq: Including a History of the Stage, from the Time of Garrick to the Present Period, Volume 1, 1825

[18] Prerogative Wills & Admin Indexes 1595 – 1858

Mary Heaphy, born 1757, the eldest daughter of Tottenham Heaphy Esq and Alice Mason, was born into a world of theatre, with both her parents, actors, and her father a theatre manager. Mary is the granddaughter of Daniel Heaphy Esq[1] (b. 1689) and Rachel Blennerhassett[2] (b. 1696) who married on the 01 October 1715, St. Johns, COI, Limerick.  Mary’s first cousin 1 removed, is Lucinda Heaphy[3] who married, Hamilton White, brother to the 1st Earl of Bantry, Richard White, 1st Viscount Bantry.

Mary’s father, Tottenham, before entering the world of the acting, volunteered along with three of his brothers[4] and joined the Ligonier's Troop of Horse[5], which at that time was a dashing regiment in Europe.  The four brothers went to Germany, where they assisted in rescuing King George II at the battle of Dettingen, 1743 (Limerick Leader 1952). Following his return to Ireland, Tottenham made his debut on the stage, in Dublin at the Chapel Street Theatre as Hotspur, on December 5, 1749 (Lady of the House, Dublin, 15 May 1909). It was during his time on the Dublin stage, that he met and married Alice Mason, (1736 - 1809) also an actress who has recorded stage appearances since 1746, at Chapel Street, Dublin. Alice Heaphy had a long career as a comic actress. Tottenham and Alice married around Feb/March 1757 (Ref: Esther K. Sheldon, Thomas Sheridan, of Smock Alley), with their first daughter, Mary Heaphy, born in 1757, Cork.  Mary’s brother Gerald Blennerhassett Heaphy, Lieutenant in the 32nd Regiment, was born in 1760s, and Mary’s sister, Rachel E Heaphy[6], was born in 1771.

By the time, Mary was born, her parents were established performers with the Dublin Smock Alley Theatre, and in 1760s, Henry Mossop[7] (1728 – 1774), actor, took over the Smock Alley Theatre and transferred the touring troupe to Limerick city, where it moved between Cork and Limerick. Mossop had great plans to improve St. Peter’s Cell, the theatre space in Limerick, and to provide more superior stage facilities for the city.  Unfortunately, Mossop ran into financial difficulties and sold his rights for the stage shows to Tottenham Heaphy in 1769/1770. Tottenham Heaphy proved himself to be quite entrepreneurial, and he decided it was time for a purpose-built theatre for the city of Limerick.  Tottenham, through his high-ranking family connections raised over £600 in subscriptions, made up of twenty-four subscribers of £25 each, for a silver transferrable admission ticket valid indefinitely (The Limerick Stage 1736 – 1800, William Smith Clark). 

Tottenham Heaphy proceeded to build on the corner of Cornwallis Street[8] and Playhouse Lane, and opened in the summer of 1770, a new theatre, named the Theatre Royal. This led to the decline of St. Peter’s Cell, however, Tottenham capitalised on this, with the Theatre Royal drawing in huge crowds.  Mary would have been at the centre of this success and it is stated that Mary performed on stage since the age of eight (Biographicon).  Heaphy’s troupe toured between Cork and Limerick over the summers with many acclaimed national, local, and English actors, including Dublin comedian, Isaac Sparks, English actor, West Dudley Digges[9], and actor/playwright, John O’Keeffe.

Mary’s father approved her marriage to fellow actor and playwright, John O’Keeffe (1747 – 1833), a native of Dublin, on the 01 October 1774, in Irishtown, Limerick City, when she was aged just 17 years.  John was a catholic and Mary a protestant, so it was celebrated by representatives of both churches, reported as follows:

"03 Oct 1774. Married some days ago in this city, Mr. Keeffe, comedian, to Miss Heaphy, dau of Mr. Heaphy, manager of the Theatres in Cork and Limerick." 

In the Hampshire and Salisbury Guardian of the 25 Jan 1834, it has the following literature review, O’Keeffe’s legacy to his daughter, which describes Mary: 

"In October, 1774, the author was married in Limerick by a Catholic priest and a Protestant clergy man, to Mary, elder daughter of Tottenham Heaphy, esq. proprietor of the Theatre Royal, Dublin. She was young, and most beautiful, tall and finely shaped, and at the time the universally acknowledged graceful, elegant, and perfect resemblance of Juliet, Desdemona, Momimia, Isabella, Belvidera, etc., and for seven years their union was the most happy one."

In 1775, Mary Heaphy O’Keeffe made her debut as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at the Smock Alley Theatre in 1775, Dublin and first appeared at London’s Covent Garden Theatre in 1778, also portraying the character of Juliet (Biographicon).

Mary and John O'Keeffe had the following children:

1. John Tottenham O'Keeffe, (Reverend), born Cork, (1775 - 1805). He was a Chaplain for the Duke of Clarence and raised protestant and educated in France at the College du Plessis in Paris and was placed in the care of a private tutor, M. L’Abbe Halma, chaplain to the Duchess de Bourbon (Ref: John O'Keeffe, the Blind Playwright by Sarah Murden). John was not married. Died in Jamaica, aged 28 years.  The Hampshire Advertiser and Salisbury Guardian, dated 25 Jan 1834 - Literature Review - O'Keeffe's legacy to his daughter states:

"Tottenham had ever been his pride, his joy, his rational companion; he was tall, and very handsome; most accomplished scholar and a finished gentleman. Having received from his father a superior education and expensive education in Paris, at Westminister School, and at Exeter College, Oxford, he took orders and officiated at Duke Street, Chapel, Westminister, from whence he was unhappily decoyed by a wild scheme of obtaining a lucrative living in Jamaica, and exchanging it for one of inferior in England. Thither, he sailed and died shortly after of fever, at the house of Rev. Ledwieh, Port Royal, aged 28."

2. Adelaide O'Keeffe, born Dublin, (1776 - 1865). Educated in France, Adelaide was given in charge of the Nuns of the Convent of St Austrebeste at Montrieul (Ref: John O'Keeffe, the Blind Playwright by Sarah Murden). She did not marry. Adelaide was an author and children's poet. 

3. Gerald O'Keeffe, born Dublin, (1777 - 1777)

O’Keeffe went onto become a prolific playwright, enjoying the patronage of King George III. Between 1778 and 1798, 57 of his plays were staged in London (Historyireland.com). He might have enjoyed the success; however, his personal life was not the case.  The marriage with Mary, was not to last, and as history has recorded, Mary had an affair with Scottish actor George Graham, while in Dublin.  This led to O’Keeffe, taking their three children, and moving to London, forbidding, Mary from communicating with them.  Mary and John divorced in 1780 and Mary married Graham.

Mary would also travel to England, with George, where she performed with the Tate Wilkinson’s[10] company in York in 1785.  She also joined the James Cadwell’s[11] Durham company where she and George became the company’s leading tragedians (Biographicon). Following this she joined James Field Standfield’s[12] company in Durham and performed for many years in Durham, Northumberland.

Mary Heaphy O'Keeffe died on the 01 Jan 1813, Dalkeith, Scotland, and buried at Collace, Perthshire, Scotland. Born into the world of stage, with an influential father, who was known as the “father of the Irish stage”, Mary had a choice of roles and venues to perform in.  We do not know the impact of being estranged from her children had on her.  Perhaps it was her love for what she knew best, to perform and entertain that drove her forward. 

Mary Heaphy O’Keeffe (1757 – 1813)

Daughter, Actress, Wife, Mother

[1] Daniel Heaphy is recorded in the "Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great Britain & Ireland" and in the "History of the Landed Gentry of Great Britain & Ireland" where he enjoyed the territorial possessions, or high official rank, but was uninvested in heritable honours

[2] Rachel Blennerhassett of Riddlestown House, Rathkeale, Limerick, daughter of Gerald Blennerhassett Esq and Christina Bailey (Bayley)

[3] Lucinda Heaphy is the only daughter of John Blennerhassett Heaphy Esq, (brother to Tottenham Heaphy) is a descendent of a double union of marriage between the Heaphy and Blennerhassett families. 

[4] Robert Heaphy is the other known brother to have volunteered to Germany

[5] Originally assembled in 1688, by King James II, it became known as the Ligonier’s Horse in 1721

[6] Rachel E Heaphy married the Rev. George Alley, (b. 1770), on the 11 May 1792, St. Michan's COI, of Dublin City (Prerogative Marriage Licence Bonds 1623 - 1866).

[7] Son of Rev. John Mossop

[8] Now little Gerald Griffin Street, Limerick

[9] West Dudley Digges (1725 – 1786) son of Colonel Thomas Digges and Elizabeth West, daughter of the 6th Baron De La Warr.  Digges had his first stage appearance in the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin in 1749.

[10] Tate Wilkinson (1739 – 1803), had the management of the Yorkshire company from 1766 – 1803, performing in York, and theatres in Hull, Leeds, Lancaster, Wakefield, Pontefract, Sheffield, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.

[11] James Cadwell (1749 – 1800), actor.  Took over the Durham Theatre Company, from his uncle, Thomas Bates in the 1780s.

[12] James Field Stanfield (1749 – 1824), born Dublin, was an actor and freemason. 

Eyre Heaphy, born about 1806, Kilkeedy, Clarina, Co. Limerick. It is unknown if Eyre is the eldest or second eldest son of John Heaphy (Abt. 1776 - 1851) and Frances [Green - the surname is still under research. This Frances may be the daughter of Francis Green Esq., of Craige, Limerick]. As no date of birth has been found. The age of 85 years is recorded on his death cert in 1891, however this may not be accurate.  If he were the eldest son, he probably was born in 1803/04. If the marriage record for his father, is the one dated 15.09.1799 between John Heaphy and Frances Green, COI, St. Munchins, Limerick City, then this would put Lord Clarina, as Eyre's uncle in-law, for Eyre's possible uncle, John Green Esq of Greenmount (formerly Craige), married the Honourable Catherine Massey, sister of Lord Clarina. This might also provide evidence as to John Heaphy's elevated position at Elm Park. 

It is unknown where the origin of the Eyre name originated from and how it was introduced into the family. It possibly stems from Eyre’s grandmother, however it is also plausible, that he was named after Lord Clarina, who died in 1804 due to the Heaphy - Green - Massey marriage connections.  John and Frances had the following known children: 

Eleanor (Drew) (1801), Henry (1805), Eyre (1806), John (1812), Elizabeth (Clohessy) (1813), Samuel (1815), Mary (Barry) (1816) & Henry (1820).

It is very likely that John Heaphy moved into Kilkeedy, Clarina, and was somehow associated with the Massy family (Lord Clarina), becoming the estate steward. A steward position during this time was an independent position from the rest of the employees and ranked immediately below the estate owner. It was not a servant position but a professional role.  The title of land agent/steward often passed down from father to son as happened with the Heaphy family. The steward usually owned a house and lived away from the main house of the estate. The steward's duties included complete management issues for the estate itself: hiring and firing of workers, settling tenant disputes, overseeing the harvest and livestock, collecting rents, keeping the financial records and general estate management. The position was at times called a bailiff as the steward also dealt with local criminal matters. 

Should John Heaphy’s eldest son and heir, be Henry, born 1805, and had died before 1819, it put Eyre as his father’s new heir, allowing him to rise the rank of becoming steward for Lord Clarina at Elm Park.

The Massy family were originally granted lands following the Cromwellian conquest at Duntrileague, located in east county Limerick, with Eyre Massey, the fifth son of Colonel Hugh Massy (1719 – 1804), becoming the 1st Baron Lord Clarina, setting up a new branch of the family at Clarina, and inserting an “e” into the name to distinguish from the Duntrileague Massy. From earlier research, brothers, John and Daniel Heaphy (M. Rachel Blennerhassett, 1715, father of Tottenham Heaphy), are possibly associated with the Massy family of Duntrileague as can be seen from the Court of Chancery/Exchequer. It remains unknown if Eyre is a relation to these earlier Heaphy brothers. 

Eyre grew up on Elm Park, becoming head gardener for the estate, with having won numerous prizes with the Limerick Horticultural Society throughout the 1830/40s (Ref: Limerick Chronicle) and becoming a committee member of the horticultural society 

Ref: Limerick Chronicle, 1846. Limerick Horticultural Society. Resolved - that the following Gentlemen and Gardeners be appointed a Committee of Management for the present year:

George Tuthill, Esq., George Bruce, Esq., Major Bevan, Godfrey Bevan, Esq., Matthew Fitt, Esq., William Wilson, Esq., Mr O'Grady, Mr. Collopy, Mr. McDonough, Mr. Heaphy, Mr. Fitzgerald, Mr. Walters. 

Eyre and his father John, would have been actively involved in the overseeing and garden design of the new Elm Park castle[1], built by 3rd Baron Lord Clarina, Eyre Massey (1798 – 1872). The new house at Elm Park was built between 1833-36 at a cost of £50,000 (Sep 2025 Value: £5,524,459.10), with two imposing gate lodges, with one of these still surviving today (2025). Elm Park Castle was a sister castle to Dromoland Castle, in Co. Clare.

Eyre Heaphy married Harriet Vokes on the 8th of January, 1848 in the Church of England and Ireland of St. Michaels, Pery Square, Limerick City. Harriet Vokes was the daughter of Thomas Vokes[2] (1787 – 1861: son of Andrew Vokes and Elizabeth Wilson, Ballinacurra Hart, Limerick). The Vokes Family of Limerick were connected to the policing and merchant classes. Harriet’s first cousin 1 removed was  Thomas Vokes, Chief Magistrate of Police for Limerick City and County. Harriet's mother was Mary Delmege (1793 – 1845, Adare) from the wealthy French Delmege family who settled at Rathkeale, Limerick in the 18th century. Harriet’s brother, William Wilson Vokes, inherited the successful Shoe & Boot business at 122 George’s Street (O’Connell Street) from his uncle John Wilson Vokes.

Clare Journal - 1848: At Limerick, Mr. Eyre Heaphy, Clarina, to Hariott, daughter of Mr. Thomas Vokes, Limerick.

Harriet moved to Elm Park and was there for the beginning of the construction of the new Clarina village, built by the Baron in the 1850s. However, strategy struck and Harriet died in 1852, following childbirth and it is reported as follows in the Limerick and Clare Examiner:

The Limerick and Clare Examiner - 1852: At Clarina, after childbirth, Harriet, wife of Mr. Eyre Heaphy, steward, and gardener to Lord Clarina.

Eyre and Harriet Heaphy had the following children:

1. Harriet Heaphy (1851 - 1900) Born on Elm Park, Clarina.  Following the death of her mother, and through her father's second marriage, she was brought to Newtown, Kilrush, Co. Clare, where she was raised.  Harriet married James Wallace (1855 - 1888) Constable R.I.C, Limerick City, son of Bartholomew Wallace, Sligo, on the 27 Nov 1880, RC, Kilrush, Co. Clare.

2. John Eyre Heaphy (1852 - 1910). Born in Clarina. Following the death of his mother, and through his father's second marriage, he was brought to Newtown, Kilrush, Co. Clare, where he was raised.  He later returned to Limerick and joined the R.I.C. (Constable & Sergeant R.I.C (1875 - 1893). John Eyre was firstly based in Limerick, before moving to Cavan in 1877, where he served the remainder of his service, returning to Limerick city following 1893.  John Eyre Heaphy married Mary Jane Boyd (1861 - 1928 (Died Cambridge, England)), born Madden, County Armagh (daughter of John C Boyd, Military Officer) on the 11.09.1884, COI, Monaghan. (Read the feature on 4 of his sons that fought in WW1 - this page)

A year later following the death of Harriet, Eyre married Jane Brew, on the 29th of November, 1853, COI, Kilferagh, Kilkee. Jane Brew (1825 – 1904), was the daughter of Burton Brew (1798 - 1868), son of Burton Brew (1754 - 1800), Newtown House and Elizabeth Cox (1754 - 1834) of Mount Pleasant House.  Jane Brew's mother was Anne Pilkington (1800 - 1888), daughter of William Pilkington (1768 - 1843) and Jane O'Donnell.  The Brew family with English origins, arrived in Ireland around 1628. The Brew family were expansive wealthy landowners throughout Co. Clare, with associated houses; Richmond House, Applevale, Clonderlaw, Leadmore House and Newtown House. 

Eyre moved to Newtown, and to a Brew house that was built in the 18th century, probably, 1760s to 1780s or earlier. The house is in existence in the 1787 Grand Jury Maps.  The Brew family of Newtown would have been in ownership of the house, through Francis and James Brew and later Burton Brew.  Following Burton Brew's death in 1800, the lands of Newtown West along with the house were leased to William Pilkington who lived in the house from 1800 to 1816 until Jonathon Brew (Jane Brew's Uncle) married Abigail Pilkington.  Jonathon and his family lived in the house from 1816 to 1853 until the house and part of the lands of Newtown West were given to Eyre as part of the marriage agreement. The house and lands remain with the Heaphy family today [2025].

Eyre and Jane Heaphy had the following children:

1. Elizabeth Anne Heaphy (1858 - 1930), she married William Henry Parkinson, (1836 - 1913), Brigade Sergeant- Major, Royal Regiment Artillery, British Army (1853 - 1879), son of Robert Parkinson Esq (of Broomhill House and Moyne, Kilrush, Clare) and Anne Fury, Kilrush, on the 16.11.1878, RC Chapel of Carrigaholt, Kilkee. William and Elizabeth operated three businesses in the town of Kilrush, before moving to Ellesmere Terrace, Dublin around 1893. The family moved to Bayview House, Sutton, Howth around 1911/12, including taking up ownership of land in Sutton, Howth, overlooking Dublin Bay.

2. Burton Joseph Heaphy (1859 - 1947), of Newtown, Kilrush. The Burton name originated from the Brew family, following a Brew marriage to the Burton family of Carrigaholt and Ennis. Burton received the Heaphy lands at Newtown, following the death of his father, Eyre in 1891.  Married firstly to Johanna Harvey (1869 - 1906), daughter of John Harvey and Susan Marinan, Connolly, Ennis, on the 15.06.1897 RC, Connolly, Ennis. Married secondly to Anne Lynch (1874 - 1954), daughter of Daniel Lynch and Johanna, Querrin, Kilrush on the 14 March 1908 RC Chapel of Carrigaholt, Co. Clare. 

3. Samuel Heaphy born between April - August 1860. Constable (R.I.C). Resigned from the force on the 01st April 1883 on health grounds and returned to Newtown, where he died on the 06th April 1884. Not married.

4. Frances Jane Heaphy (1864 - 1887). 3rd daughter of Eyre Heaphy.  She died on the 7th of June 1887, Newtown. Not married.

5. Catherine Heaphy (1868 - 1894). Not married. Died while visiting her sister, Abigail in Limerick in 1894. Not married.

6. Abigail Heaphy (1869 - 1900) married William Young (1865 - 1942 - Palatine Origin), Coolfree, Kilfinane, son of William Young (B.1821) and Maria Fizell, Kilfinane (daughter of Jacob Fizell (1802 - 1868) and Mary Frances Ruttle (1803 - 1873)), on the 20.12.1892, COI, Kilferagh, Kilkee. The Young family of County Limerick were a palatine family of the Methodist/Irish Church, originally known as Yung.

7. George Heaphy (1869 - 1869) Twin with Abigail Heaphy.

Eyre continued to journey between West Clare and Limerick to conduct business affairs in working with landlords providing guidance on improving land and agricultural practices. It is possible he had made a complete move to Newtown by 1870 as can be seen from the following reference from Captain Studdert:

The Clare Advertiser and Kilrush Gazette, September 17, 1870. Capt Studdert said he believed that Mr. Eyre Heaphy now living in the West, would make a capital judge. If faith were to be placed in testimonials, he believed that Mr. Heaphy had them from Lord Clarina, and other gentlemen with whom he lived a long time as land steward. 

Following this, Eyre was nominated as judge of the West Clare Agricultural society. There were several occasions where Eyre was called to provide testamentary evidence in court for land valuations in addition to providing land valuations for the Land Commission throughout the 1880s.

Eyre Heaphy died on the 13th of August 1891, at Newtown, Kilrush, Co. Clare, aged 85 years. Eyre was perhaps given a life that was destined for his brother, Henry, but it can be said that he did not waste opportunity, taking on the challenges of being a steward, which speaks volumes of his personality. He understood the benefits of networking, gaining a strong reputation, respected by his peers and raising a family that sought opportunity to excel, perhaps instilled with values or a mindset.

Eyre Heaphy (1806 – 1891)

Gardener, Steward, Husband, Father, Agriculturalist, Landowner

[1] Comerford Way, by Patrick Comerford, online journal

[2] The Vokes of Limerick City & County

“The Heaphy family paid a heavy price during the Great War with three brothers being killed” Histories of Protestant Limerick, 1912-1923

This is a story of tremendous sacrifice endured by one family in the early twentieth century, which is echoed by many during the time of the great war.  The story follows the Heaphy family of Limerick, and four sons that went to war, with only one returning.

The brothers’ father, John Eyre Heaphy (1852 – 1910), son of Eyre Heaphy[1] (1806 – 1891) and Harriet Vokes[2] (1827 – 1852) was born at Elm Park, Limerick.  Possibly encouraged by his uncle, Joseph Heaphy[3], Staff Sergeant at Limerick Strand Barracks, John Eyre joined the Royal Irish Constabulary[4] in 1875, firstly based in Limerick, before transferring to Cavan in 1877.  John Eyre rose to the rank of sergeant, serving 17 years and 6 months before retiring in 1893. He married Mary Jane Boyd[5] in 1884, COI, Monaghan parish.   

The couple had five sons and two daughters, with the two youngest sons, born in Limerick City, following the family’s return, after John Eyre Heaphy retired from the force. Their four sons, who went to war were:

John Eyre Heaphy (1886 – 1918). Lance Corporal, born 30.01.1886, Bridge Street, Cootehill, Co. Cavan. At the age of eighteen, he was working as a clerk with the GPO in Limerick City, when he joined the Royal Garrison Artillery, Clare Militia in 1903 – Service No: 2984.  He served three years before following his father’s footsteps, and becoming a constable in the R.I.C. in 1907.  During this period, he was stationed in Mayo, where he met Jane Potter[6] (1885 – 1961) and the couple married at St. John’s Church, COI, Doonfeeny, Co. Mayo. Following the marriage, the couple moved to Castlereagh, Belfast, where John Eyre joined the S.S. Police from 1910 to 1913. 

On the 23 June 1915, John Eyre joined the Canadian Overseas Expedition Force, travelling to Canada and becoming part of the troop known as Lord Strathcona’s Horse[7], Royal Canadians – Service No: 6059.  John Eyre landed in France to join the fighting on the 07 Feb 1916. On the 11 May 1917, he was promoted to Lance Corporal. On the 23 March 1918, he was reported missing in action and on the 16 September 1918, declared a prisoner of war. John Eyre died as a prisoner of war on the 07 April 1918, at Krieg, Lazarette, Mauberg, as a result of a wound to the pelvis and is buried at Mauberg-Centre Cemetery, France. John Eyre Heaphy is additionally remembered at St. Mary’s COI, Cathedral, Limerick City.

John Eyre and his wife, Jane, had one daughter named Olive Kathleen Heaphy, born on the 4 August 1913, however no further information has been found on Olive, who may not have survived into adulthood. Jane Heaphy married again on the 26 September 1921 to Edmund Alexander Bolster of Belfast and had two sons, Edmund (1923) and Richard (1927).  Jane (Potter) (Heaphy) Bolster died 22 January 1961, Belfast.

William Henry Heaphy (1887 – 1916). Private, born 01 June 1887, Arvagh, Co. Cavan. The UK 1911 census record shows that William Henry, with rank of Private was at Chelsea Barracks, Chelsea Bridge Road, London.  William H becomes a member of the 2nd Battalion Irish Guards and No. 1 Coy 1st Battalion, Irish Guards – Service No: 3236. He died on the 11 April 1916, from wounds in Ypres, Belgium (France & Flanders). He is buried at Etaples Military Cemetery, France, grave VC8. Medals received: British Army Medal and Silver War Badge.  William Henry Heaphy is also remembered at St. Mary’s COI, Cathedral, Limerick City.

A soldier’s will exists at the National Archives of Ireland for William Henry, dated 07 May 1915 and signed by William H Heaphy, 1st Batt Irish Guards, where he leaves any possessions he may have to his mother, Mary Jane Heaphy of Ardhu Terrace, North Circular Road, Limerick.

George Mortimer Heaphy (1893 – 1962). 2nd Lieutenant Bombardier, born 25.07.1893, Belturbet, Co. Cavan. George M joined the 5A Res. Brigade Royal Field Artillery (R.F.A) and served in France – Service No: 60885.  George M received the Silver War Badge and British Army Medal. 

George Mortimer is the only brother to have survived the war, and returned to Limerick City. He married firstly to Ellen Edith Cox[8] (1894 - 1928) on the 25 July 1923, COI, St. Munchins, Limerick. He along with his sister, Lilian Jean[9] and his mother, Jane (Boyd) Heaphy, left Ireland and settled in Cambridge, England. George M and Ellen had only one surviving son, named George Eyre Heaphy (1928 – 1995), who returned to Ireland and lived in Limerick.

Following Ellen Edith’s death in 1928, George married Isabel Potter[10] (1888 – 1947) in 1938, COE, London. George Mortimer Heaphy died on the 08.09.1962, Cambridge, England. [11]

Frederick Joseph Heaphy (1900 – 1917). Gunner, born 20.05.1900, Limerick City. Frederick was the youngest of the four brothers to fight and he joined the 304th Siege Battery Royal Garrison Artillery (R.G.A) – Service No: 136273.  Frederick was killed in action on the 03 May 1917, in France & Flanders, aged 17 years. Frederick is buried at Ravenna War Cemetery, Italy. Medals received: British Army Medal and Victory War Medal. Frederick Joseph Heaphy is also remembered at St. Mary’s COI, Cathedral Limerick City and in Ireland’s Roll of Honour 1914 – 1921.

An interesting find, for two of the brothers, John Eyre, and William Henry, is a school register for Knockbride, National School, Knockbridge, Co. Cavan, where both are recorded on the 09 November 1891. John Eyre is aged 6, with 110 days present.  William Henry, aged 3, with 62 days present. The registers show much information from the grades, addresses, occupations of parents, etc.

“The Heaphy family paid a heavy price during the Great War with three brothers being killed, Gunner Frederick Heaphy, St. John's Company was killed on 3rd of May 1917 with the 304th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery, 17 years old. A year earlier, on the 7th May 1916, Pte William Heaphy died of wounds while serving with the No. 1 Coy. 1st Bn Irish Guards, aged 28. Yet another brother, L/Cpl John Eyre Heaphy, Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians), was killed on 7th April 1918. William and John were 28 and 33 years old respectively. George Heaphy, Royal Field Artillery, who was also in the CLB, survived the war” Histories of Protestant Limerick 1912-1923 & Limerick "The Church Lads' Brigade, and the Great War"

Lance Corporal John Eyre Heaphy, Private William Henry Heaphy & Gunner Frederick Joseph Heaphy made the extreme sacrifice in WW1, a war like all other wars, that rob so many of life. We can only imagine the terrible loss felt by the family that remained and for George Mortimer Heaphy, who survived, having the opportunity to live his life. 

[1] Eyre Heaphy, Steward for Lord Clarina, Elm Park, Limerick

[2] Harriet Vokes, daughter of Thomas Vokes Esq, of the Vokes family, Limerick, and Mary Delmege, French family of Rathkeale, Limerick.

[3] Joseph Heaphy (1837 – 1883), Sergeant, British Army (1856 - 1868, served between China and Cape of Good Hope) and Staff Sergeant - Limerick, Strand Barracks (1868 - 1883). Joseph also lost two grandsons in the London bombings of 1940 – Bernard & Joseph James Heaphy.

[4] John Eyre Heaphy (1852 – 1910), R.I.C. Sergeant. Service No: 41982

[5] Mary Jane Boyd, daughter of John C Boyd. Mary Jane died in Cambridge, UK, 1928.

[6] Jane Potter, daughter of James Potter and Agnes Beckett.

[7] The regiment was placed on active duty on September 1914 and on the 05 May 1915, they arrived in France.

[8] Ellen Edith Cox is the daughter of John Cox and Ellen Edith Warren. John Cox born, Isle of Wight, about 1862, son of William Cox.

[9] Lilian Jean Heaphy, baptised as Eliza Jane in 1891, Co Cavan, married George Watson (1886 - 1931) Corporal, Royal Engineers, on the 03.01.1918, St. Munchins, COI, Limerick.  George Watson was son of Robert Herbert Watson, Hertfordshire, England. Following George Watson’s death in 1931, Lilian Jean (Heaphy) Watson moved to Ipswich, London with her four children: Dorothy Jean, Cecil William, John Eyre, and Robert Herbert Watson.

[10] Isabel Potter is the daughter of William and Susan Potter, Cambridge, England, and sister of Emma Potter.

[11] England Wills: Heaphy, George Mortimer of Cambridge, 1963